LAKELAND - Children and babies across Alberta officially became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine last week.
As of Aug. 2, Alberta was the last province to approve the rollout of the first dose for babies six-months to four-years-old. Within the first two days throughout the Lakeland region, six doses were administered compared to almost 2,000 across the province, said Alberta Health spokesperson Charity Wallace.
The Moderna Spikevax vaccine is the only manufacturer that has been approved by Health Canada last month for the age group.
“There were six doses administered to this age group in Lac La Biche, St. Paul, Bonnyville and Cold Lake during that time,” she said.
According to Health Canada, the pediatric version of the dose for all children under 12, has roughly a quarter of the amount of vaccine compared to the doses for older age groups.
While the first dose of the vaccine is rolling out and is recommended, Wallace says any parents with questions or concerns should speak to trusted medical professionals.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak to a trusted health care provider for questions about their child’s health, including questions about COVID-19 and vaccination. The Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending that all eligible children get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Additionally, Alberta Health has noted that while COVID symptoms among the newly eligible age group haven’t been as severe as what has been experienced in older age groups, rolling up your children's sleeves is encouraged, she said.
“While many children in this age group have no symptoms or mild symptoms from a COVID-19 infection, severe cases can occur and some require hospitalization. Its availability provides parents and caregivers with a vaccine option to protect younger children against COVID-19.”
Second doses are available after two months according to Alberta Health.
Parents choosing to vaccinate
For one parent in the Lac La Biche area eager to vaccinate their two-year-old son, their toddler's battle with cancer has taken away that option, for the time being, said Jacob Marfo.
“Personally, if Ezra qualified, I would love him to have the vaccine. I know firsthand the impacts of COVID on adults and children. Both Ezra and I had COVID.”
Marfo noted his son Ezra has had COVID-19 in recent years but due to chemotherapy and doctors' recommendations, any additional medication or vaccinations outside of treatment is ill-advised.
“Unfortunately, at this point, his immune system is so compromised that he is not even allowed to have basic Advil without blood work and doctors' approval. So he can't have the vaccine now.”
But “as soon as he recovers and is eligible, he will get it,” Marfo told Lakeland This Week.
Ultimately, whatever decisions guardians make, Wallace adds parents' and families' rights should be “respected".
“Parents and guardians should be supported and respected during the decision-making process so they are able to make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccination for their child.”
Lakeland vaccinations
Last month, second boosters (fourth shots) became available for Albertans 18 and over who have had five months between doses. Additionally, the Lakeland region's third doses have had an uptake rate between 25 and 30 per cent. The highest is in the Smoky Lake area with almost 34 per cent or 1,630 eligible residents recorded as of Aug. 1, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS) statistics.
How to book
COVID-19 vaccines are available by “AHS clinics in the region. Please visit https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/ to find the nearest clinic,” said Wallace. Appointments can be made online or by calling 811.
