(The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Bookings Open Aug. 29, 2022

Boosters expand to Alberta children aged 5-11

Aug 26, 2022 | 11:23 AM

The provincial government say Albertans can soon start booking COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children aged five to 11, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Government officials say bookings will open on Aug. 29 and booster doses will start being given on Aug. 31.

The province says Health Canada approved the use of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for booster doses in children aged five to 11 on Aug. 19. This is said to be the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada as a booster dose in this age group.

Officials say the national and Alberta expert committees support booster doses for this age group, with a strong recommendation for children with immune-compromising conditions. It is recommended that the booster dose be offered at least five calendar months after completion of the primary series. Immune-compromised children are already eligible for a three-dose primary series, so their boosters will be fourth doses.

“Parents and guardians can soon book an appointment for their children just in time for the start of the new school year. Within days, we will begin offering booster doses and help provide ongoing protection from COVID-19, especially as our kids return to the classroom,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health, on Friday.

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“Vaccines remain one of the most important layers of protection we can access for ourselves and our children. This booster dose is an important option for families, especially those who have children with medical risk factors,” added Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek reliable and factual information to inform their decision on the vaccine and discuss the risks and benefits with their health-care provider before getting their children immunized.

Pediatric booster vaccinations will be administered at Alberta Health Services clinics around the province. Vaccines will also be available at select pharmacies where AHS clinics are not conveniently located. Booster appointments must be booked through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at alberta.ca/vaccine or by calling Health Link at 811. Some pharmacies can accommodate walk-ins.

Children five to 11 years of age who live in First Nations communities can access a booster dose through public health clinics or nursing stations.

Alberta government quick facts

• In this age group, vaccine effectiveness estimates of a primary series against symptomatic infection with the Omicron variant range from 30 to 50 per cent. Vaccine effectiveness estimates against severe disease including hospitalization due to Omicron range from 41 per cent to 68 per cent.
• Clinical trial findings show that a booster dose of Comirnaty was well tolerated in children five to 11 years of age and significantly increased the level of protective antibodies in those who received it. Side effects were typically mild or moderate and resolved within a few days.
• To date in Alberta:
  • 51 per cent of children aged five to 11 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta.
  • Alberta COVID-19 statistics can be found online.