Should Alberta students aged 5-11 have the option to be vaccinated in schools?

Alberta Health is still planning its vaccine roll-out for children aged five to 11 in anticipation of vaccines being approved for that age group, but the question is being raised whether or not kids will be inoculated in schools.

The department says Alberta Health Services (AHS) is preparing Public Health and Health Link in advance of a decision on vaccines for kids aged five to 11.

“We have a long history in education for supporting vaccinations, and we will do our part should Alberta Health require us,” Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said in an exclusive interview with CityNews Calgary.

“What I’m hearing at this point in time, they’re looking at introducing [vaccines for kids five to 11 years old] through the clinics. Obviously, parents will need to provide their consent to have that process go through.”

Will #Alberta students (5-11yo) have the option to be vaccinated in schools? In an interview w/ @CityNewsCalgary, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says it's an Alberta Health decision, and schools will do their part if asked by the health department. #abpoli #ableg #COVID19AB pic.twitter.com/vOQ6hJ6kLi

— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) November 17, 2021

In a statement to CityNews Calgary, Alberta Health says parents can register their children who are under 12 years old on the Alberta Vaccine Booking system, but they cannot actually book a vaccine until they are approved by Health Canada.

“To be clear, registering is the first step in the process. Doing so now will help them save time when vaccines are approved,” it explained.

“AHS is planning to offer flexible hours at the clinics to improve access to all families and working parents. Any additional outreach will be targeted in areas of low uptake as required.”

Vaccines were available in schools during Fall 2021 for eligible students in grades seven through 12.

Around 5,000 students and staff were vaccinated through the program.

All students deserve access to education, regardless of their immunization status.

As COVID-19 vaccines become available for younger children, I expect school authorities to continue to provide students with a quality education.

Read my open letter to school authorities below. pic.twitter.com/wogZTTmYhg

— Adriana LaGrange (@AdrianaLaGrange) November 17, 2021

Alberta Health refused to clarify whether or not it is planning on making vaccines available at schools.

Meantime, the NDP is calling out the government and LaGrange.

Education Critic Sarah Hoffman says there’s no excuse as to why an in-school COVID-19 vaccination program isn’t already set up.

She points out that Alberta already holds school-based vaccination programs for other viruses like Hepatitis B and meningitis.