A clinic offered at the Rimbey Community Health Centre will be opening doors for first and second-dose appointments Feb. 11 for children five to 11 years of age. Appointments can be booked online through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System or by calling Health Link at 811.
The clinic is scheduled for Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with no drop-in appointments available on site.
The clinic will be offering doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Children who received their first dose at least eight weeks ago are now eligible for a second dose, shared a Feb. 1 Alberta Health Services news release.
The appointment for a second dose can be booked before the recommended eight weeks for children who are immunocompromised, or if a second dose is required for travel, the release added. The minimum spacing between doses is 21 days.
“There may be an increased risk of myocarditis/pericarditis following immunization earlier than the recommended eight weeks. However, a shortened interval between first and second doses may offer better protection for children who may be susceptible to infection, such as those that are immunocompromised, and earlier protection for those who are at greater risk of severe disease such as those with underlying high-risk medical conditions,” shared the release.
The province has safely administered over eight million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. “COVID-19 immunization is the best way to protect your children, family, friends and loved ones from COVID-19. Please do your part in helping keep our community safe and get immunized as soon as possible,” shared the release.
AHS recommends individuals speak with their immunizer, pediatrician or family physician, call 811 or visit ahs.ca/vaccinekids, for any questions or concerns around the vaccine.
Individuals must bring their Alberta Health Care card, if available, along with a photo ID, shared the news release. It added that use of face masks and hand sanitizer is required when attending the site for immunization.
AHS reminds individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home and isolate until they feel better.