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Delays continue for release of kids COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta

Pressure is increasing on the Government of Alberta to release more details about when children five and under will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
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A vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is displayed on a counter at a pharmacy in Portland, Ore., Monday, Dec. 27, 2021. U.S. regulators have granted full approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine after reviewing additional data on its safety and effectiveness. The decision Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 by the Food and Drug Administration comes after many tens of millions of Americans have already received the shot under its original emergency authorization. Full approval means FDA has completed the same rigorous, time-consuming review for Moderna’s shot as dozens of other long-established vaccines. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Pressure is increasing on the Government of Alberta to release more details about when children five and under will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite Moderna’s pediatric doses for children between the ages of six months to five being approved two weeks ago by Health Canada, the province has yet to determine when they will roll out here. Alberta is the only province not currently offering the shots to that age group.

In a statement Thursday, Alberta Health said they anticipate announcing next steps in the next few days. Federal Government data says the province has received 46,700 doses of the Moderna Spikevax for kids under five.

“Alberta’s government is currently working on the rollout of the expansion of access to Moderna Spikevax for children ages 6 months to five-year-old. We anticipate the announcement of next steps in the next few days,” Alberta Health said in a statement.

Alberta NDP Education Critic Sarah Hoffman said in a statement that Albertans should have the same access as other Canadians.

“Alberta families deserve to have the same access to COVID-19 vaccines as every other province. However, as of today, Alberta is the only province in Canada where parents cannot book appointments for children under five years old. This is simply unacceptable,” she said.

“The UCP promised a plan to offer these vaccines weeks ago but is apparently now too bogged down in their own internal drama to support parents seeking this vital protection before school resumes in September. I believe it is critical that we boost immunity of students before classes resume.”

Alberta NDP Children’s Services Critic Rakhi Pancholi said the delays are hurting parents’ ability to better protect their children against COVID-19.

“By providing vaccines for children under five-years-old, parents can better protect their own kids and others, especially in child care settings,” she said.

“The UCP needs to stop dragging their heels and start stepping up. There is no excuse for being so far behind the rest of Canada.”

Last week, the province expanded fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to any Albertan 18 and older.