During the past nearly two years, we have heard the term “unprecedented times” more often than I can keep track of. I think this is one of the top buzz phrases of the pandemic.
When we hear a statement prefaced with “unprecedented times,” we know that folks are doing their best to navigate the situation and there may be some kinks along the way.
I am one of the parents eagerly waiting for a COVID vaccine for children ages five to 11 years old to be approved by Health Canada. If the approval comes quickly, my daughter could get the vaccine before her 12th birthday — otherwise getting the vaccine may be part of her birthday celebration in January.
If we wait for her to turn 12 before she can receive her vaccine, I wonder if we will need to wait for her to have two doses before she can go swimming or dine in. I ask this because right now, vaccine passports are required for those 12 and up.
As I ask these questions, I want to note that I do understand that we are in “unprecedented times” and I know that not everything will go smoothly. If we need to take a break from movie theatres and public pools, then that’s what we’ll do. I am in full support of the vaccine passport system.
I spoke with Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, on the phone and asked her my questions. “Currently the 12-year-olds are getting vaccines by cohort,” said Henry, explaining that 11-year-olds born in 2009 can get the vaccine prior to their 12th birthday. This is what sets apart the 11-year-olds who turn 12 in January. My daughter will be in the first group of 12-year-olds that weren’t able to vaccinate in the cohorts.
Henry also said that Health Canada is expected to approve five to 11-year-olds to be vaccinated shortly. Meaning my daughter and others will not have to wait until the new year to get a COVID vaccine.
Henry explained that prior to approval, “safety data and efficacy data are being reviewed.”
I know that not all parents are as eager as me to have their children vaccinated. I’ve heard that there are many parents who have some hesitancy regarding getting children vaccinated.
“We are building confidence with parents,” said Henry. “Parental consent is important.”
I know my daughter couldn’t be more eager to get vaccinated. When I received my vaccines, both times she asked me to sneak her in and try and get her one, too. “Younger kids want to get their vaccines,” Henry said. “This has been so disruptive to their lives.”
Henry gave examples of how school years have been disrupted and childhood anxiety has increased over the course of the pandemic. I am not sure how long it will take us to look back at the COVID pandemic as a distant memory, but as a parent, it has been hard to know that I have been protected from COVID through vaccines while my daughter is still vulnerable. “For parents, it’s hard to be in society and to protect yourself and not be able to protect your child,” said Henry.
I feel a sigh of relief knowing my daughter and other children will soon be able to receive a vaccine. Even knowing that there may be some bumps along the way, I am appreciative of Henry and her team for doing their best to help us protect our kids.
charlahuber@outlook.com
