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Edmonton-area students who didn’t receive routine immunizations last school year due to COVID-19 delays can get them during a catch-up blitz by Alberta Health Services.
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The program will run in the Edmonton Zone throughout August and September for students enrolled in the upcoming school year in Grades 6, 7, 8 and 9.
“Immunization is an important way to prevent disease and protect your child’s health and the health of those around them from vaccine-preventable diseases,” AHS said in the news release.
Hepatitis B, which prevents serious damage to the liver, as well as the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (or HPV vaccine) to guard against certain types of cancers, are included under the Grade 6 immunization program.
The Grade 9 program includes the meningococcal vaccine to prevent meningitis, and the dTap vaccine, which offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Parents of children who are due for immunization are asked to book an appointment by calling their local public health centre.
Starting again this fall, AHS Public Health will provide immunizations in schools to eligible students whose parents have given consent.
Anyone seeking more information can visit immunizealberta.ca.
