COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Alberta for younger children.
Earlier in November Health Canada approved the Pfizer mRNA vaccine for children in the age five to 11 age group, while ages 12 and older were previously approved.
In an effort to offer transparency to parents and community members across all regions served by the board, Clearview Public Schools issued a release on Nov. 26, 2021, outlining policies regarding the vaccination of youth in their system.
The first matter addressed in the release relates to vaccination opportunities.
Clearview schools are not providing COVID-19 vaccination services to students in Clearview Schools, according to the release.
“Families, if interested, must book vaccinations directly with Alberta Health Services (AHS).”
Parents can book vaccination appointments for their children by calling Alberta Health Link at 811, with appointments to be made mainly through AHS clinics.
In order for youth to receive their vaccine, the release highlights, parent or guardian consent is necessary.
Regardless of what a parent decides as to whether or not to vaccinate their children, the students will be welcome at Clearview.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek out reliable and factual information to inform their decisions on vaccines for their children,” the release stated.
“Your children are welcome in our schools regardless of their COVID-19 vaccine status.”
More information about the vaccine use in youth can be found at the Government of Alberta website (www.alberta.ca) or the Health Canada website (www.canada.ca).
For further information regarding vaccines in youth, the Clearview also released a letter from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, which is dated Nov. 24, 2021.
Also attached to the release was a Health Canada fact sheet sheet, available at this link.