Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics now underway; one new case of COVID-19

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics began on Friday, November 26 in PEI, and 523 children have now received their first dose of vaccine.

“Last Friday was a great day as we began immunizing PEI children age 5 to 11 years against COVID-19 with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which is specially formulated for children. The pediatric vaccine provides  the opportunity for significant added protection for school-aged children against COVID-19. This increased protection extends to families and the entire province.” 

- Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison

Dr. Morrison, says there are 1,350 pediatric vaccine appointments booked this week.. 

Parents and guardians have a choice to have their children immunized at community clinics across PEI or at school-based clinics which will begin in early 2022. Community clinics are scheduled for Montague, Souris, O’Leary, Charlottetown and Summerside. 

As of Saturday, November 27, 94.6 per cent of eligible Island residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of vaccine and 91 per cent of this population has been fully vaccinated. Last week 45 per cent of doses administered were third doses, including boosters. 

“Vaccines continue to be protective against severe disease, with hospitalized cases among the unvaccinated far exceeding those who are fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Morrison. “For example, in Canada in the 12 to 59 age group unvaccinated people are 42 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to those who are fully vaccinated. Nationally, hospitalization rates among fully vaccinated cases have remained stable and low.”  

Dr. Morrison announced one new case of COVID-19 in PEI. 

The individual, a contact of a previously announced case, is under 19 years of age and has been self-isolating. Contact tracing is complete. 

“Three important points remain as we continue through the pandemic: if you are feeling unwell, do not go to work or public events and gatherings, if you have any symptoms get tested, and if you travel out of province and are not tested at points of entry be sure to visit a testing clinic and be tested again between day 4 and 8,” said Dr. Morrison. 

There are currently 29 active cases of COVID-19 in PEI and there have been 373 cases since the pandemic began. 

To date, there have been no cases of the Omicron, or B.1.1.529 variant, in PEI. As of November 26, the federal government imposed enhanced border measures, including additional testing and isolation requirements for all travelers who have been in the Southern Africa region within the last 14 days. Travel to Southern African regions should be avoided at this time. PEI will continue to test at the points of entry and recommend that all travelers have at least one additional test after arriving in PEI, between day 4 and day 8. An update will be provided later this week regarding any temporary measures to further protect PEI residents from importation and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. 

As always, all Islanders are urged to get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even after a previous negative test, and to self-isolate until the results come back. Islanders are also encouraged to download the free national COVID Alert app, which will let them know if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Anyone age 12 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccination at one of the Health PEI clinics and those age 18 years or older can visit one of the 28 partner pharmacies across the province.  

For information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including vaccine facts, immunization data and booking an appointment, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines. For answers to commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit: Answers to Common COVID-19 Vaccine Questions.

For the latest information about Prince Edward Island’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit: COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Prince Edward Island. 

Backgrounder:

The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to monitor the pandemic situation and prepare for all COVID-19 related impacts to the province, including health, social and economic. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed, and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.
 
Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Get vaccinated
• Wear a non-medical mask in indoor places
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• Physical distance - stay two meters (6 feet) apart
• Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
• Visit a drop-in-clinic to be tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
shughes@gov.pe.ca