P.E.I. opens COVID-19 vaccine appointments for young children

All children over the age of six months may now be booked for appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine on P.E.I.

The province has opened up appointments for children aged six months to four, following Health Canada approval for the Moderna vaccine for that age group just over a week ago.

"We're really happy to receive a shipment of vaccine for theModerna later last week and we just opened up appointments as folks are aware of this morning, through Skip the Waiting Room," saidCheryl Banks, director of COVID-19 operations for Health P.E.I.

"Now we're back to the drawing board and looking at building more appointments into Skip."

Banks said the province received 100 doses of the vaccine to start, and there are 400 more coming next week.

She asked Island parents to be patient for a few days as the province continues to add more appointments to Skip the Waiting Room and as more vaccines are imported.

Vaccinations are only available through public health not at partner pharmacies, which are still providing vaccinations for adults.

You can book your appointment at a public health clinic through Skip the Waiting Room or call 1-844-975-3303.

"With this new eligibility, parents and guardians now have the opportunity to provide another layer of COVID-19 protection for children under the age of five," said acting Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Eilish Cleary in a news release.