Children over six months eligible to receive COVID vaccine starting Aug. 2

Children over six months eligible to receive COVID vaccine starting Aug. 2
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A health-care worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Island Health says starting Aug. 2, children over six months old will be eligible to receive a COVID vaccine, and parents are encouraged to register their children in preparation.

This announcement follows Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine for children six months to five years on July 14.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of needing to be hospitalized due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Mike Benusic, medical health officer at Island Health.

“Children fortunately are at low risk of severe disease from COVID-19. Low risk, however, does not equal no risk. Vaccinations can help further reduce the risk of children getting really sick from COVID-19.”

READ MORE: Health Canada approves first COVID-19 vax for youngest kids

Children can either be registered to receive their vaccine online, or by phone by calling 1-833-838-2323.

Once registered, a vaccination appointment can be booked at a local community clinic.

Parents with children younger than six months can register, and an invitation to book an appointment will be sent once the child reaches six months old.

Appointments are necessary and the vaccines will be administered at child-friendly clinics, the vaccine for children six months to five years will not be offered at pharmacies.

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