Sask. ordering 112K doses of COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11
The Government of Saskatchewan announced it has ordered 112,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine formulated for children aged five to 11.
The province expects to receive the vaccines in mid-November. At this time, there are not any COVID-19 vaccines approved for children under the age of 12 in Canada.
“Once this vaccine is approved by Health Canada, our intent is to provide the vaccine to all kids who would like to receive it, five to 11, in a safe, supportive and an efficient manner,” Dr. Tania Diener, Medical Health Officer responsible for immunization and physician co-lead of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) COVID-19 immunization campaign, said during a press conference Tuesday.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is in the process of developing a plan for delivery of the vaccine to children. It hopes to have the plan in place as soon as the vaccine receives approval from Health Canada for use in kids.
So far In October, 24 per cent of COVID-19 cases were among children under the age of 12. Since the start of September, nearly half of cases in children, 48 per cent, were exposed in a household setting, according to the Government of Saskatchewan.
While children are less likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19, the government said they are playing a role in the transmission of the virus.
“Vaccinations for children will enable them to continue to be able to go to school and enjoy their activities,” the province said in a news release.
The government notes that Pfizer studies show no safety concerns among children five to 11. Expected vaccine side effects, such as soreness, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and chills, were “well tolerated and resolved in one to two days.”
“Children in this age group have very good immune responses when they receive two doses as recommended,” the province said.
The clinical trials show 90.7 per cent vaccine efficacy in children following two doses, 21 days apart.
The shot will include a 0.2 mL dosage, which is 0.1 mL less than the dose currently in place for those 12 and older.
VACCINE ROLLOUT
Sheila Anderson, vaccine chief responsible for SHA’s COVID-19 immunization campaign, said the vaccination process will have some new accommodations for younger kids.
“Most children of this age group will manage vaccines very well, however there are some portion of our young kids that will find that they become quite anxious,” Anderson said. “The physical and psychological safety of both our children and our parents and the families that come will be a really high priority as we roll out this program.”
Parents and guardians will be allowed inside the vaccination area to support children through the process.
Anderson said where available, therapy dogs or other attractions will also be used to help reduce anxiety. She added that clinical experts will be on site to answer questions from families about the vaccine.
The SHA will be offering paediatric vaccinations in approximately 190 clinics in 100 communities across the province. Families can be on the lookout for clinics in some facilities specifically directed at kids, such as libraries, community centres and schools.
“SHA is also working with our trusted partners and community agencies, local leaders, health system partners, social services and others just to increase uptake in this population,” Anderson said.
Appointments are not currently available, but booking options are expected to be communicated once the vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
All children in this age group will require parental or guardian consent to receive the vaccine. The SHA said consent forms can be signed at vaccine clinics.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The World Health Organization said on Friday that the current overall public health risk posed by H5N1 bird flu virus is low, but for those with exposure to infected birds or animals the risk of infection is considered low-to-moderate.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.