Manitoba government launches kids immunization campaign
As vaccinations are now underway for kids between the ages of five and 11 in Manitoba, the province is launching a campaign for the vaccine.
"Manitoba's #ProtectMB Kids campaign will help ensure children and families feel informed, welcomed and supported," said Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon said in a news release.
Marking the campaign on Thursday, six children in the province received their first dose of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, said cases of COVID-19 have been climbing in this age group.
"I encourage all parents and guardians of younger children to visit our website, talk with your health-care provider, and to use the helpful tips we are making available so that immunization will be a positive experience for your child and a decision the kids can take pride in," said Reimer in a news release.
Around 25,000 parents have already booked appointments for their children.
Health Canada said the vaccine is 90.7 per cent effective at preventing COVID.
Dr. Jared Bullard, who is a pediatrician, was on hand for the campaign launch as his son was one of the children getting their first dose of the vaccine.
He said it is important to prepare kids before they get the shot to help alleviate any anxiety about needles.
"Parents know what is best for their children and in general I suggest a day or two of notice. Talk with them about the vaccine and let them ask questions," said Bullard.
He added he understands why some parents may want to wait before registering their kids, but he recommends setting targets for when they should eventually sign up.
"Take your time, think about it, but have very specific criteria that you want to use. Whether that's a certain number of children vaccinated, it could be in a certain timeline and feel free to always ask your physician or health-care provider about the COVID vaccine."
Nine-year-old Ava Meconse said the shot wasn’t that bad.
"I just kept telling myself that it wouldn’t hurt and it didn’t," she said. "I want to keep my parents safe and my grandparents safe, like I don’t want to get my granny sick."
Nine-year-old Ava Meconse got her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (Source: Michelle Gerwing/CTV News)
Of the first six kids vaccinated Thursday, there were no tears.
"Just a small pinch for like a second and then it's over," said 11-year-old Donovan.
"I just closed my eyes and it felt the same as the flu shot," said Zooey Cecilio who also had this advice for the other Manitoba children who are getting vaccinated soon.
"I think that they should be brave."
Nala Larson and her dad Scott celebrated the moment with their special handshake which is reserved for special moments.
“Every time I do something awesome,” Nala explained.
Nala Larson and her dad Scott celebrate Nala getting her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (Source: Michelle Gerwing/CTV News)
“We have a really large family and we haven't been able to be together as a large family for almost two years now because of COVID-19," said Scott.
He said he diligently read reports on the vaccine before the family made its final decision for getting Nala vaccinated, and he encourages other parents to do the same and make an informed decision.
"I know that kids don't end up in the hospital all that often but there's many other effects of COVID-19 that don't require hospitalization that are risks to children of her age and so that's why we wanted to get this done," he said.
The vaccine for this younger age group is one-third the dosage of the vaccine for older people. Kids will still receive two doses and they will be given eight weeks apart.
Vaccines can be booked online or through the province's call centre at 1-844-626-8222.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.