Child's play: Miller Childress hopes he can get back in the game soon after getting his COVID jab this week. He proudly shows off his vaccination sticker alongside his mom.(submitted/Kym Childress)

By Glenn Hicks

playing a part

Youth playing their role in the COVID battle

May 21, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The COVID-19 vaccine became available for youth aged 12 and up this week, and a Prince Albert mom is both happy and proud that her son has got his jab.

Kym Childress’ 12-year-old boy Miller was on a pharmacy waiting list, but got the call sooner than expected when someone cancelled. Childress said he was eager to play his part in getting things back to normal.

“He was happy,” Childress told paNOW. “I mean, if this was a regular immunization he probably wouldn’t have been so gung-ho, but he was quite excited to do it because he knows it’s going to make some change for him personally.”

She said he and his friends and classmates understand the bigger picture regarding getting organized sports and a proper social life back as soon as possible.

“I want the world to get back to normal too– we want to do our travelling and get back to all our sports and stuff,” Childress said. “So, for him to see the importance of doing it, it was a bit of a proud moment for sure.”

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

2h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

7h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

23h ago

Childress has a family of five: her husband, as well as two older daughters, and they will all have had their first jab by this week.

The vaccine rollout for the over–12’s started Thursday and uses the Pfizer BioNTech jab. The government said the move was consistent with new national recommendations and endorsement by Health Canada.

School-based delivery will start in June with details to come. Eligibility is based on age not grade.

13 year-olds don’t require parental consent

The province issued a detailed Q and A information sheet for youth 12+ earlier this week that featured a section on consent. Some minors may want the jab but their parents may refuse. If a child is 13 years of age, they can decide whether to have the vaccine.

The government said Saskatchewan has something called “Mature Minor Consent”.

That means if you are at least 13 and as long as you understand the benefits and possible reactions (as noted in your information package) you do not need a parent’s permission to receive the vaccine.

“Mature Minor Consent” applies to any vaccine in Saskatchewan– not just COVID-19 vaccines. You will need to think hard about your decision and talk it over with your parents. If you are age 12, you will require a parent’s permission to receive the vaccine.

The provincial info sheet also discussed a scenario where the parents want their child to get the vaccine, but the child does not.

We encourage you to talk over your decision with your parents. If you are hesitant because of concerns about safety, please re-read the information on this page and in your information package. The vaccines are safe, and help protect you from this serious virus. The more people who are vaccinated, the sooner we can resume doing the things we all loved to do – with the people we love doing them with – before the pandemic. You will need to think hard about your decision.

Getting back to a sporting life

For the Childress family having their young son join the rest of them in getting their first jab makes perfect sense as, like many other kids, he’s involved in sports.

“He knew if he was able to get the vaccine– and everybody else can do it– then there’s more likelihood of his sports opening up…for provincial tournaments and stuff, “ Kym explained.

And there’s all the other fun stuff too.

“His golf buddies can’t wait – as soon as they’ve all had their immunizations – to have a big sleepover. They are all excited to get back to regular activities.”

–

glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow