Students may have the opportunity to get their COVID-19 vaccinations in elementary and high schools next month. The province says there will be more than 90,000 Pfizer doses for children 12 and older. Delivery dates are being finalized with local officials.

A news release from the province says this is the youngest age currently approved for immunization and the hope is to expand to younger children in the fall, as vaccines are approved for use. SHA drive-through, walk-in and booked appointments will be reduced while the school vaccinations are going on. Pharmacy booked appointments will continue to all eligible age categories.

SHA CEO Scott Livingstone says, “We want to utilize this well-established system before school is out for the summer, to vaccinate as many eligible youth as we can.” Written consent will be required for 12 to 17 year olds.