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BOOSTER DOSES

Interior Health rolls out COVID-19 booster shots for younger children

Aug 23, 2022 | 11:06 AM

KAMLOOPS — Health Canada has approved booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11. Under new guidance released on Friday (Aug. 19), the national advisory committee on immunization strongly recommended the third dose be offered to children who have underlying medical conditions, including immunocompromised children.

For all other children, the committee said a first booster dose of the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine may be offered at least six months after their last shot.

With the school year fast approaching, Interior Health is encouraging parents to register their kids.

“That would be great for children to get the most protection that they can before they go back to school. We know that school reopening means more social interaction between people, not only at school, but outside of school between the families, carpooling etc. It is best for people get their vaccines before going back to school so they have the most protection,” said Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, Medical Health Officer.

Rollout for the booster campaign is underway with parents getting invitations to book their children’s appointment six months after they received dose two.

“Children will get their vaccine invitation when they are past six months from the last dose of vaccine they have received. That is the main reason if children haven’t received their invitation yet. But, as soon as they complete the six months they will receive the invitation and they can book their booster dose vaccination appointment,” added Sabet.