‘It’s the right thing to do:’ Children react to news of COVID vaccinations

Some Saskatchewan children are ready to step up to roll their sleeves up.

Children between the ages of five and 11 are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, after Health Canada announced Friday it had approved Pfizer’s vaccine for kids in that age group. Previously, only those 12 and over were eligible to get the vaccine.

The announcement Friday morning eased many parents’ concerns about when the vaccine would finally be approved.

According to Health Canada, the doses will be smaller, can be given three weeks apart and are nearly 91 per cent effective.

650 CKOM/980 CJME asked a few kids, with permission from their parents, about what their thoughts were on getting vaccinated.

Six-year-old Jocelyn Leibel got COVID in September, just as school started and right before her birthday. According to her mom, there was an outbreak in her daughter’s class and her daughter moved to online learning.

“I had COVID, but it wasn’t fun,” said Jocelyn.

“What was the worst part?” asked her mother.

“Runny nose, not seeing my friends and family (and) being stuck at home,” she said. “I missed hugging my friends and going on trips.”

The little girl couldn’t go to school for most of September and also suffered from high fevers for nearly two weeks. She says while she’s nervous about getting vaccinated: “It’s the right thing to do.”

Siblings Eden, 5, and Dane, 8, said they were envious their parents had already been vaccinated, but also nervous about the needles. But Dane said it was important to him.

“If you get coronavirus, when you have a vaccination … you won’t get sick a whole lot,” he said.

“I’ll be tough with my muscles!” chimed in Eden.

“I’m feeling confident now we can — we’re old enough to have vaccines,” added Dane.

On Oct. 26, Saskatchewan revealed its plan for vaccinating kids, but it’s not clear yet when Saskatchewan will get its allotment of COVID vaccines.

The Government of Saskatchewan said Friday more information will be released Monday.

“Clinics will be offered where families with eligible children live, learn, and play with blended approach of accessible clinics in locations such as libraries, learning centres, community and sports centres,” the government said in a statement.

“The intent is to start administering immunizations in many locations within 24 to 48 hours of delivery from the federal government.”