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5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 27,2021 theifp.ca NOW OPEN WITH THIS COUPON REDEEM CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. *This coupon is valid until June 30th, 2021 naturallyfresh.ca Halton Public Health plans to start scheduling 12- to 17-year-olds for CO- VID-19 vaccine appoint- ments at the end of the month. While the province an- nounced Saturday (May 22) that this youth age group can begin making vaccine appointments this week- end through the Ontario booking system, local health officials say that won't be the case in Halton. "Instead, we expect to be able to open up clinic book- ings for Halton residents 12 to 17 years of age on Mon- day, May 31," said Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani in a letter to parents distribut- ed by the local school boards. "We understand that you are eager for youth to be vaccinated. Given cur- rent vaccine supply, clinics are already booked for the remainder of May. An ear- lier opportunity to book clinic appointments would not mean earlier clinic ap- pointment dates. As al- ways, our program and ability to open appoint- ments to more eligible groups is dependent on vaccine supply." The letter notes that lo- cal residents must book their appointments through the Region's on- line system, rather than the province's, to receive their vaccine at a Halton clinic. Meghani said Halton re- mains committed to follow- ing provincial direction to offer first doses to 12- to 17- year-olds in June, and sec- ond doses by the end of Au- gust. "We will continue to work together with local school boards to provide the best possible program for youth and will provide more details on the pro- gram next week," she said. For more information, visit halton.ca/COVIDvac- cines. NEWS Plans are in place to have youth aged 12 to 17 fully vaccinated by the end of August. Metroland file photo VACCINE BOOKINGS FOR YOUTH TO OPEN BY END OF MAY MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com SCAN THIS CODE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS.