Three provinces add child vaccine plans

Parents in Alberta can start booking online COVID-19 vaccination times for their children on Wednesday as three more provinces announced the rollout of similar inoculation programs on Tuesday.

Alberta was joined by British Columbia and Quebec in releasing details of their programs for children between five and 11 years old. Children in Quebec will start getting their vaccinations on Wednesday.

Vaccinations begin in Alberta on Friday, while some children in B.C. will be able to get vaccinated on Monday.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, said up to 350,000 children will be eligible for the vaccine in the province and more than 90,000 kids are already registered.

Premier Jason Kenney said Alberta has received the modified vaccine for children and will distribute doses to 120 locations over the next two days. Some 391,000 children are eligible.

Early uptake of the vaccine for children has been overwhelming in many provinces, including Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Tens of thousands of parents have booked online appointments for their kids.

In Quebec, Premier François Legault said he understands parents may have worries about vaccinating their kids but he offered assurances that the shots are safe. “I can imagine it can bring certain concerns,” he said in Quebec City. “I want to reassure parents.”