Interior Health’s top doc recommending children get the COVID jab

Interior Health (IH) is encouraging families to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of the holiday season.

The child-sized doses started rolling out in the Interior last week, and while some families have taken advantage of the shots, many children remain unprotected against the virus.

In a release, Interior Health’s Interim Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Sue Pollock, said she acknowledges that there are some people concerned with vaccinating their children, but said studies have shown the pediatric Pfizer vaccine is safe.

“There were no severe reactions in children during clinical trials and the mild side effects (sore arm, fever) subsided in a day or two,” wrote Pollock.

“In our clinics across IH, specially trained pediatric immunizers and public health nurses are on hand to provide care and support children receiving the vaccine.”

She added that data from studies monitoring children aged five to 11 found that the vaccine is 91 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19 infections, and has even higher rates for preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

She added that since Sept. 16, children aged five to 11 have accounted for close to 2,000 COVID-19 cases in the Interior, which translates to 16 per cent of all new cases. That percentage represents the highest rate of infection of any age group.

“I know some families are tempted to ‘wait and see,’ and to put off the decision to vaccinate children for a few months. However, as we head into the holiday season and winter gatherings, vaccination offers the best protection – now and in the first months of the New Year,” said Pollock.

COVID vaccinations for children are available at the Vernon Recreation Centre by appointment only. Parents and guardians can register their child for a vaccine here.

“When children are immunized, not only are they better equipped to fight off infection, but they’re less likely to need to miss school or social activities that are important to their well-being. They’re also less likely to spread the virus to others, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbours or people with compromised immune systems. Don’t delay the benefits by waiting longer than necessary,” said Pollock.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the vaccines are encourage to speak with their family’s care provider, to call 811, or to visit Interior Health’s website.