Six months to five years old COVID-19 immunization clinics starting next week in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — Children between the age of six months and four years are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., but the uptake has been minimal.

According to the Ministry of Health, vaccination registration rates for this age group are low. Slightly more than 14,000 children have been registered in the “Get Vaccinated” system. There are 210,000 children in this age group, meaning only seven per cent are currently registered.

Health Canada approved the Moderna vaccine for children aged six months to four years old last month. It requires two doses, both smaller than the adult version, and given eight weeks apart.

Dr. Carol Fenton, Interior Health medical health officer, noted that exact figures for the Interior region are not yet available.

“We are anticipating fluctuations and increases to come but it’s really exciting that we now have vaccine for ages six months to five years,” Dr. Fenton said. “Which means we have a vaccine for virtually every age group now and that’s very important. It is important to get your child protected as COVID-19 can cause severe outcomes in this age group including myocarditis and multi-system inflammatory syndrome.”

According to Interior Health’s website, all age clinics are set to open in Kamloops on Monday (Aug. 8). Parents of young kids can decide to get the COVID-19 vaccination right away or add it to their child next scheduled inoculation appointment.

“We can be extra efficient and to it all at once or we can separate them out if you are more comfortable with that. So, we are offering them both, which ever works best for you and which ever you are most comfortable with,” Fenton added.