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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.