The Saskatchewan Medical Association and the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians are urging parents to vaccinate their children.

A joint news release says Health Canada’s approval of Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine is another step towards leaving the pandemic behind and returning to normal.

The release adds that 12 to 17 year-old who have received their shots have experienced minor side-effects including arm pain, fatigue, headaches and fever.

Side effects in younger children have been minor to date and family physicians have been monitoring the data closely.

Those with concerns are asked to consult with their family doctor or primary care provider.

The news release states, “We have the means to the end of the pandemic. Vaccines have been and still are our best tool against the Delta variant, along with hand washing, masking, and physical distancing.”

The Government of Saskatchewan is reporting 12,708 doses of COVId-19 vaccine have been given to children in the five to 11 age range.