Children 5 to 11 now eligible for COVID vaccine

The Alberta Government is expecting a shipment of the COVID-19 vaccination next week.

Provided the amount of vaccinations, the Alberta Government expects to be the administration of the vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds by weeks end.

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping stated that the Province is ready to begin the administration of the vaccination, "We are well-prepared to administer doses to children as soon as their parents and guardians are ready to book their appointments.

"I know many Alberta families are breathing a collective sigh of relief knowing that we are now able to offer their children protection from COVID-19," Copping stated.

Currently, parents and guardians can pre-register their children in the Alberta Vaccine Booking system to be ready when appointments open.

The Alberta Government reiterated that children under 12 will continue to have access to businesses and venues participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, regardless of their vaccination status.

According to Alberta Health Services, children under 12 years of age have the highest rate of new cases in Canada. In Alberta, children ages 5 to 11, there have been approximately 30,700 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed since the start of the Pandemic.

78 of the 30,700 children cases of COVID ended up in the Hospital, with 20 ended up in intensive care.

Approximately 390,000 Alberta children are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.