WINNIPEG - The government of Manitoba says the province is now one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to approve vaccinations against COVID-19 for youth aged 12 to 17. Starting today, appointments can be made for young people to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The province says it hopes the expansion will help protect more families and communities amid a third wave of the pandemic.
The Pfizer vaccine is available at vaccination super sites and urban Indigenous clinics across Manitoba, and the province explains parents, guardians, caregivers, and eligible young people themselves can arrange their appointment to get the shot by calling the Manitoba Vaccination hotline toll-free at 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) or booking one online at the #ProtectMB portal, where thousands were already waiting in line Friday morning.
Vaccine Implementation Taskforce medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer says while it’s ideal if youth between the ages of 12 and 15 attend their appointment with, or bring a consent form signed by, a parent, guardian or caregiver to make the visit a little easier, young people attending an appointment on their own may also go through an informed consent process with a clinical lead on site to assess their ability to consent to be vaccinated in stead.
Reimer says the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been tested and reviewed, and found by Health Canada to be safe for older children, but encourages families to consult with a health care provider if they have any concerns or questions.
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