Pediatric COVID-19 Immunization Delivery Plan October 26, 2021 Through the COVID-19 Pediatric Immunization Delivery Plan, Saskatchewan’s children 5-11 yrs will be immunized with COVID-19 vaccines in a safe, supportive and efficient manner once the vaccine is approved by Health Canada with informed parental/guardian consent. COVID-19 Immunization Program Goals • To minimize serious illness and death from COVID-19. • Protect those most vulnerable • To protect the capacity of the health care system. • To minimize the spread of COVID-19. • Immunize as many people, as quickly as possible; safely. Pediatric Immunization Program Goals • During the month of October (so far) about 24% of cases were among children under the age of 12 (unvaccinated) *Most likely exposure based on cases from Sept 1 to Oct 14 Pediatric Immunization Program Goals cont. • Direct health benefit: Although children are at lower risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, some do become seriously ill, can be hospitalized and can have serious complications or die. • There is an increased risk for children with co￾morbidities, like asthma. • Also supports ability to continue to participate in those social, educational and extra-curricular activities that benefit emotional and physical health overall. Pediatric Vaccine Safety and Efficacy • Clinical trials indicate that the Pfizer vaccine had no safety concerns noted among children 5 to 11 years of age. • These studies also showed that expected vaccine side effects (such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and chills) were well tolerated and resolved in 1-2 days. • Children 5 to 11 years old had very good immune responses when they receive 2 doses as recommended (21 days apart) in these trials – 90.7% vaccine efficacy • Health Canada is currently reviewing the clinical trial data for approval in Canada. Pediatric COVID-19 Immunization Delivery • Approximately 112,000 vaccine doses expected. • We expect enough Pfizer vaccine to provide coverage of first doses to all 5 to 11 year olds who want it. • Pending Health Canada approval, first shipments could arrive in SK in early/mid November. Delivery dates are subject to approval by Health Canada and any other changes. COVID-19 Vaccines Available for Pediatric Program • The PfizerBioNTech pediatric vaccine (5-11 years old) is a different formulation and dosage, compared with what is used for individuals 12+. • PfizerBioNTech vaccine is the only pediatric COVID19 vaccine currently at Health Canada for approval * Due to the use of a new stabilizer (Tris/Sucrose) SHA Pediatric Vaccine Delivery Plan • Vaccination is voluntary. Informed parental/guardian consent will be required • Physical and psychological safety at every clinic will be of highest priority • Clinics will be designed to accommodate parent/guardians support • Clinical experts will be on site to answer questions from both parents and kids. Pediatric Immunization Delivery Plan • Vaccines will be offered where children live, learn, and play such as libraries, learning centers, community centers, sports centers ,etc. • Appointment and walk-in opportunities will be available in First Nations and SHA clinics. • Teams are working with school divisions to develop a plan for family clinics during or after school hours in select schools. • The SHA will also partner with community agencies, local leaders, health system partners, social services, and others to increase uptake in this population. SHA Pediatric Vaccine Delivery Plan • Pharmacists can immunize children 5 years and older and many will offer pediatric vaccination. Check with your local pharmacy. • Parents/guardians can access their child’s immunization record through their MySaskHealthRecord. How to Talk to Children About Immunization • Parents are encouraged to talk to their child about their appointment and acknowledge that they might be afraid, or have possible side effects. Encourage kids to ask questions about their appointment and the vaccine in general. • Some strategies for dealing with anxiety include deep breathing to remain calm; distracting the child through conversation, watching a video, singing together, etc. • Additional resources and supports will be shared in November. How to Book an Appointment • SHA’s Online Booking system does not yet accept appointments for children 5 to 11. • Once Health Canada approval has been received, and vaccine is transported to Saskatchewan, appointment options will be communicated. • A full listing of clinic locations and times will be available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-Vaccine. • Residents can also call 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829) – a toll-free phone line – to book appointments once vaccine has arrived. • The seasonal Influenza and COVID vaccines protect individuals from serious illness and hospitalization. • COVID and Influenza vaccine can be provided during the same visit. • Both vaccines are safe and effective in reducing disease transmission in the community. COVID and Influenza • High community vaccination rates will help to protect those under five who are currently too young to be vaccinated. • It is especially important that parents of children too young to be vaccinated get vaccinated themselves. saskatchewan.ca ee