Yukon youth can get their COVID-19 vaccine starting at the end of the month.

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 14:25

By Dylan MacNeil

Dr. Hanley talks about youth vaccinations at last week's COVID-19 update. (Facebook - Government of Yukon)

Second dose clinics will start as early as June 23.

Kids age 12 and up will be able to get the Pfizer COVID-19 shot starting at the end of the month.

Youth vaccination clinics will be held in Yukon’s communities beginning May 31. The clinics will take place in schools across the territory. Ross River will be the first community to hold a clinic. The rest of the communities will see kids vaccinated in the first two weeks of June. Medical travel will be supported in communities without a clinic.

In Whitehorse, clinics will be held at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre starting the first of June.

Second dose clinics will start as early as June 23.

Limited supply and stricter handling requirements mean the Pfizer vaccine will only be available to Yukon youth for a short time, and clinic dates will be more limited than it has been for adults. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley says some extra training will be needed for the territory’s immunizers.

Last week Minister of Health and Social Services Tracey-Anne McPhee alongside Dr. Hanley announced that the Yukon has made a deal with the federal government to acquire enough of the Pfizer vaccine to vaccinate all of the territory’s youth by mid July.

“I’m encouraging all youth and parents to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and to make the choice to vaccinate now.” Said McPhee at last week’s COVID-19 update. “Taking your shot will protect you, your family, your community, and your future.”

Yesterday, it was announced that 76 per cent of the territory’s eligible population has had at least one does of the COVID-19 shot.

75 per cent was once said to be the magic number to reach heard immunity. Lately though, Dr. Hanley has been saying he wants to see even more people get vaccinated.

The Yukon will start to ease some restrictions next week.

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