COVID-19: Open Vaccine Appointment Registration for Children 5-11 Years

On Saturday, parents reported that they could register their children for a future vaccination appointment on BC’s Get Vaccinated page.

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BC is one step closer to vaccinating children ages five to 11 with the COVID-19 vaccine.

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The provinces Get vaccinated The website now accepts registration for younger children, although Health Canada has not yet approved a COVID-19 vaccine for this age group.

On Saturday, many parents reported on social media that they were able to register their children between the ages of five and 11.

The Health Ministry has not released the record, but when contacted for comment, a spokesperson said that British Columbia residents have been able to register children between the ages of five and 11 the entire time.

“The (province) is preparing to be able to offer the vaccine to children ages five to 11 once it is approved by Health Canada,” the ministry said in a written statement.

The registration process, which requires the name, date of birth and a personal health number of the person to be vaccinated, is a “big step” as BC awaits approvals from Health Canada, he said. Registrants or their parents or guardians will be notified when they can book a vaccination appointment.

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Last week, Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech asked US regulators to approve the emergency use of their vaccine, marketed under the brand name Comirnaty, for children ages five to 11. A Canadian spokeswoman said the company is working with Health Canada on the final steps. He plans to present a presentation in mid-October.

Pediatric data in children between the ages of 5 and 11 showed a safe and strong immune response with two doses, which are one-third the size given to adolescents and adults.

Pfizer’s vaccine is already licensed for people 12 years of age and older.

Some regions of British Columbia have seen an increase in COVID-19 infections among children since the beginning of the school year.

Up to 10 percent of children ages five to 11 tested positive for the virus in eastern Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope, prompting new regional restrictions.

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Last week, BC expanded its mask requirement to include all children attending K-12 schools.

A vaccination mandate for teachers and school staff seems imminent, but the details of who should implement it remain unclear.

Prime Minister John Horgan said Thursday that it is up to the elected trustees to decide on the vaccine mandates rather than for the province to enforce them.

However, Teri Mooring, director of the British Columbia Federation of Teachers, said the vaccine’s mandate should span the entire province rather than relying on 60 school districts to come up with their own requirements.

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– with archives from The Canadian Press


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