B.C. health officials say parents can now register their children aged five to 11 for the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement Sunday, spokesman Jeffrey Ferrier said parents can register their kids through the Get Vaccinated portal. Although it is unclear when the shot for children will be approved, he says registering in advance is a good step.
“British Columbians are able to register children aged 5 to 11. This has been the case all along,” said an email statement to CHEK News from the Ministry of Health. “Registering your child is a great step right now as we await approvals from Health Canada.”
Ferrier says people are scheduled for their vaccination based on when it’s their turn, not when they register.
“Throughout the pandemic, B.C.’s approach to vaccination booking is that we provide notification to people when it’s their turn to book,” said the ministry. “You are scheduled based on when it’s your turn, not when you register.”
He says the province will notify parents when it’s their turn to book an appointment for their children.
Pfizer Canada said last week it is preparing to seek Health Canada’s authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 by mid-October.
“Public health is carefully monitoring the Health Canada review of COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, and will make decisions for B.C. based on science,” said the ministry. “We will have more to say as the review proceeds.”
Premier John Horgan said officials in B.C. are working on the logistics of delivering the vaccines to children if and when that approval comes.
With files from The Canadian Press
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