The province is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to children aged five to 11 and dropping self-isolation requirements for people testing positive for the virus as part of pandemic preparations for the fall.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore says parents and caregivers will be able to book booster appointments for younger children starting this morning, just ahead of their return to school with no COVID-19 restrictions.
Moore has also announced that people who test positive for COVID-19 no longer have to self-isolate for five days but should stay home until their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours and wear a mask for 10 full days from the start of their illness.
Locally, Southwestern Public Health advises they will begin offering the booster shot today with appointments by walk-in only and children must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
“These booster doses remind our immune systems that a virus is still out there, and they need to be primed and ready to fight infection when exposed,” explains Dr. Ninh Tran, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health. “We hope to see these children soon – before the start of the school year or early in the school year. That way their protection will be in full effect by mid-September when the weather cools and we’re back indoors with windows closed,” adds Tran.
