The province started vaccinated kids between the age of 5-11 on Nov. 24. (Photo 215377337 © Marysmn | Dreamstime.com)

By paNOW Staff

kid vaccinations

Far North Central sees lowest uptake so far in vaccinations for kids five to 11

Dec 9, 2021 | 4:00 PM

Since the province started administering COVID-19 vaccinations to kids ages 5 to 11 in Saskatchewan two weeks ago, 39,051 have received their first dose.

According to the province’s dashboard, 1,763 kids in that same age group have been fully vaccinated.

Prince Albert is included in the North Central zone where 2,392 kids or 27 per cent have received their first dose. The lowest uptake is in the Far North Central zone where only 13 or just four per cent have received their first dose. The Far North Central is part of the Athabasca Health Authority which hasn’t reported a new or active COVID-19 case in more than seven weeks in a row. In the North East, 1,150 (31 per cent) have been vaccinated and in the North West, the number sits at 2,081 (25 per cent.)

The medical health officer for the integrated north based out of Prince Albert, Dr. Khami Chokani said he is pleased with the uptake.

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“Of course there are some challenges with the weather and not being able to get kids out to get vaccinated,” he said. “The other challenge is with parents or guardians having to find time to be with their young, precious children to get their vaccination.”

He reminded Saskatchewan residents that as long as the child is the age of five on the day they are going for their vaccinations they will receive it. He encouraged the public to make those efforts with the holiday season in mind.

“Don’t hesitate. Find the time. Get them immunized. This is a real important phase of our battle against COVID-19, especially as we head into the festive season. We want to make it as pleasant for everyone and one of those tools is getting five to 11 year olds vaccinated,” Chokani said.

Saskatchewan has about 112,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough to vaccinate all five to 11 year olds with their first dose. It’s not yet known if children will need a COVID-19 booster.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW