Egland scores Teddy Bear Toss goal but Pats lose in OT
6h ago
Over 3,000 stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice.
On Wednesday, Saskatchewan will start offering COVID-19 booster shots to children between the ages of five and 11.
In a media release Tuesday, the provincial government said kids in that age group will be eligible to get their third dose. It’s recommended they get the shot at least four months after their second dose.
The move comes just as the school year is about to begin.
On Wednesday, parents and guardians will be able to book appointments at Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics online or by calling 1-833-727-5829 seven days a week from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The SHA also may be operating walk-in clinics, and pharmacies may offer boosters as well.
Indigenous Services Canada and the Northern Inter-Tribal Authority are to hold vaccination clinics in First Nation and Métis communities.
Pfizer is the only vaccine currently approved by Health Canada to be used as a booster for children.
A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of vaccination to provide verbal, informed consent. If the parent asks another adult (such as a grandparent or other relative) to accompany the child, that adult must present a consent form signed by the parent.
“Receiving this booster dose is especially important for children at higher risk of serious COVID-19 illnesses due to immunosuppression or other chronic health conditions,” Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said in the release. “I encourage parents of all school-age children to ensure those children have completed their primary series of a first and second dose and consider the booster dose.”
If immunocompromised children aged five to 11 already have received their third dose, they now can get an additional dose provided four months have passed since their third shot.
“It’s really great that we are able to announce that we are able to offer booster doses from everyone five to 11,” Shahab said. “Many parents have been looking forward to it.”
Many parents will likely be happy that the booster dose is available right as the school year begins.
With schools opening on Thursday, Dr. Shahab suggests schools are safe for everyone attending this year.
“I’ve been in touch with all the medical officers every week and we continue to support schools,” he said. “At the moment, schools are very confident starting this year as much as they ended the school year in June. If you’re sick stay home, use rapid testing, and if the test is negative and you feel sick then stay home until you feel better.”
“Masks remain optional, I think every little bit helps,” Dr. Shahab added. “I think we’re looking forward to a good start to the school year and we’ll continue to monitor things as it progresses.”
All Saskatchewan residents over the age of six months now are eligible for COVID vaccinations.