Health Canada approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of five and 11 years old on November 19 and vaccination appointments were available by November 24. It is, so far, the only approved COVID-19 vaccine in Canada for children under 12.
While most COVID cases among children in this age group have been milder than adults, some children have experienced severe, long-lasting symptoms and complications, and the rate of new cases among children under 12 is among the highest in the country.
Tanner, 5, was among the first children in Drumheller to receive the vaccine on Friday, November 26.
Mom, Nikki, says the rate of transmission in schools was a factor in choosing to have Tanner vaccinated. The decision was especially important considering Tanner has two younger siblings who are not old enough to get the vaccine yet, including newborn sister Adelina.
Tanner was brave during his appointment, and both he and younger brother Bryson, 3, received stickers and lollipops; Tanner will receive his second dose in eight weeks.
On Monday, November 29, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Jason Copping, Alberta Health Services (AHS) CEO Dr. Verna Yiu, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw gave Albertans an update on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the province.
Last week, a new variant of concern known as Omicron was identified in southern Africa; cases of the new variant have been reported in over 14 countries, including two detected cases in Ottawa.
At this time, there are no known cases of the Omicron variant in Alberta, however, the provincial government is keeping an eye on the emerging situation.
As of Monday, November 29
There are 21 active cases reported in the Town of Drumheller, 17 in Kneehill County, 12 in Starland County, and six in Wheatland County.
In Starland County-Drumheller region, which includes southeast Kneehill County, 86.6 per cent of residents (8,943 people) 12 and older had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 80.5 per cent (8,320 people) 12 and older are fully vaccinated.
A total of 33 children between five and 11 in the region have also received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Drumheller Fire Department received a call for a vehicle on fire inside a building just east of town on Highway 10 shortly before 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30. 9-1-1 was notified of a suspected vehicle on fire inside a bay unit. Drumheller and Rosedale halls responded and quickly knocked down the fire. EMS was also dispatched, though there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.