So far, more than 500 children aged 5 to 12 have received their first vaccination.
The COVID-19 child immunization campaign on P.E.I. is going off without a hitch, according to health officials.
According to Marion Dowling, chief nursing and professional practise officer at Health P.E.I., none of the community clinics that are now offering paediatric immunisation has encountered any problems.
“The kids are delighted to be at the clinic, but they’re also a little nervous,” she said, adding that they’re pleased to have their vaccine.
Since the clinics began on Friday, 523 youngsters aged 5 to 12 have received their first COVID-19 shot, with 1,350 appointments scheduled for this week, according to the province.
Montague, Souris, O’Leary, Charlottetown, and Summerside will all host clinics.
Dowling advised parents to schedule their children’s appointments. However, she advised them to wait a few days if their child had recently received a flu shot.
“We know a lot of families had their annual flu shot this autumn as well,” she said. “There must be a 14-day gap between receiving another vaccine and receiving this one. Just something to keep in mind for parents when scheduling these appointments.”
Dowling said she understood why some parents are hesitant to give their children the vaccine and advised them to look up more information on the P.E.I. website.
“I’d advise them to talk to their kids about the vaccine, the advantages, and what the potential hazards are in their particular situation,” she added.
Dowling claims that no serious side effects have been observed from the vaccine and that moderate symptoms like sore arms and weariness typically disappear in a day or two.
“It’s critical to recognise people’s anxieties about new things in general, as well as vaccines,” she said. “However, many children on P.E.I. receive a full complement of immunizations throughout their infancy and thrive, and we see no reason why this should be any different.”
Dowling stated that the government intends to use the Christmas break to provide community clinics where both parents and children can participate.
Starting in January, Health P.E.I. plans to give immunizations in schools.
In the province, there are approximately 13,000 children aged 5 to 11.
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