'Vile': Officials call out anti-vax actions in Windsor, Ont. meant to keep kids from the shot

People opposed to vaccinations in Windsor, Ont. faced quick criticism Tuesday after threatening protests that could hinder parents from getting their children the COVID-19 shot.

Windsor police saidthey'repreparing to be on site at vaccine clinicsto oversee any protest being planned.

"There will be police presence to monitor & ensure public safety," Windsor Police Service posted on social media Tuesday.

"A reminder that protesters are required to remain on public property. Hospital operations & public safety cannot be disrupted in any way."

Bookings for children agesfive to 11opened Monday in Windsor-Essexfollowing Health Canada's approval of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for kids. The first appointments are scheduledstart on Thursday.

Health officials also condemneda former People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate for suggesting his followers book appointmentsmeant for children, but then not showup.

Victor Green, who ran in Windsor-Tecumseh, posted the phone number to the Devonshire Mall vaccine site to a private Facebook group.

"You know what to do," Green wrote.

"Fill those appointment slots up so much, they will have to turn kids away because they are fully booked."

But when reached for comment, Green said he had been hacked.

"I was hacked. I take no responsibility for the post. I'm having my IT guy look at my computer."

By that time, David Musyj, president and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital, had responded, writing in an online statement that what Green was doing was "reprehensible and repugnant."

"Our local Windsor/Essex health-care system and the world has witnessed the devastating impact of COVID-19 on our community and to deliberately sabotage someone's ability to access this life-saving vaccine needs to be stopped through current and/or immediately implemented legislation," he said.

MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh Irek Kusmierczyk also tweeted condemnation of Green's post calling it a"vile" act.