Vaccine for children aged five to 12 arrives in region: Education ministry
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The vaccine has arrived in the school district for children aged five to 11, the Ministry of Education has announced.
COVID-19 vaccination is now authorized by Health Canada for children five and older.
BC Education Deputy Minister Scott Macdonald said in a press release through the schools Monday that clinics were not happening in schools during school time.
“If that ever changes, please remember, like any other vaccine program that has taken place in schools, parents will always be notified for consent for any vaccination that may be offered,” Macdonald said in the statement.
At the elementary school level, a child will never be given a vaccination without a parent’s prior approval, the minister said.
From the BC Centre for Disease Control
A question and answer from the release on vaccinating children 5-11 years old.
What are the benefits to getting children vaccinated against COVID-19?
While most children who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, a small number get very sick. Some children may continue to have health issues for long periods of time after the initial illness. Children are also able to pass on COVID-19 to other people in their families and communities.
Vaccinating children helps keep them safe as well as others around them – especially older adults, younger children and infants, and those with illnesses .
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine for children?
This vaccine is for any child between five and 11 years. If your child is four years old, you will not be able to get them vaccinated until after their fifth birthday. The vaccines are free and your children do not need BC Care Cards to receive them.
Who can provide consent for children to be vaccinated?
Parents/guardians, (including foster parents and prospective adoptive parents) and other custodial caregivers (for example, a grandparent who is raising the child).
Only one parent or legal guardian is required to give consent. The process for collecting consent may be different depending on the immunization clinic you attend.
Source: BC Centre for Disease Control
