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5-11 year-olds

Children’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked starting Wednesday

Nov 23, 2021 | 3:47 PM

Albertans looking to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to book their appointment to do so through Alberta Health Services starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement as Alberta received its shipment of 394,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for kids aged 5-11 on Tuesday, after Health Canada approved the vaccine on November 19.

READ MORE: Health Canada approves Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5-11

Appointments can be booked starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday through the province’s booking system found here, or by calling Health Link at 811. The first appointments will be available starting Friday.

“The evidence is clear that the pediatric Pfizer vaccine is highly effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

“Parents who choose to have their young children vaccinated against this virus will not only help to protect their kids but their families and communities too.”

Dr. Hinshaw added parents should wait a minimum of 14 days if their child has recently received a seasonal flu shot. She also said the recommended interval between the first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses for children aged 5-11 is at least eight weeks

Premier Kenney added those aged 5-11 will not be subjected to the Restrictions Exemption Program. This means children under 12 years of age will continue to have access to businesses and venues participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, regardless of their vaccination status.

Children aged 12 and under are able to access facilities with their parents or guardians who meet REP requirements, as well as participate in youth activities while following current public health measures.

Kenney is urging hesitant parents to seek out information on the efficacy of the drug, which Health Canada says is almost 91 per cent effective with no identifiable side effects.