As immunizers continue to support rural Yukon communities and health centre staff by returning this week to run COVID-19 vaccine clinics, the eligibility for youth for the vaccine has now been expanded.
Anyone born in 2009, even if they have not yet turned 12 years old, is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. This is an important step before students start returning to school.
Immunizers are providing both Pfizer for 12- to 17-year-olds and Moderna for those 18 years and older. The return clinics began Monday in Carcross and teams are in Faro today. They will travel to Haines Junction and Watson Lake as well this week. Yukoners are encouraged to use this opportunity to ask any questions they may still have about the vaccine.
Clinics will continue in Whitehorse three days a week. Starting August 3, clinics will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Like many other Canadian jurisdictions, we are now immunizing anyone who was born in 2009. These youngsters do not need to be 12 to get the shot; they only need to be turning 12 this year. This will allow more of our youth to be protected against COVID-19. We are continuing to support communities and Yukoners with mobile vaccine clinics. I encourage everyone to go to those clinics to get their questions answered and get the vaccine.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
I am pleased that we can now expand our protective net of vaccination to youth who are not yet 12 but born in 2009. Every additional Yukoner vaccinated increases our safety net against COVID-19 infection. With the additional rural immunization visits, Yukoners have yet another chance to get vaccinated. Please take the opportunity if you have not already. We are seeing in real time the toll that this pandemic is having on our unvaccinated citizens.
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley
Clinics will take place in Beaver Creek, Destruction Bay, Mayo, Pelly Crossing, Carmacks and Dawson City the week of August 2. Please contact your local health centre for more information or to book an appointment.
Clinics will take place in Teslin, Ross River and Old Crow the week of August 9. Please contact your local health centre for more information or to book an appointment.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Patricia Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-335-1531
patricia.living@yukon.ca