Northern Health is committed to supporting safe schools for kindergarten to grade 12 schools (K-12) and post-secondary settings. This page offers information and resources for parents, guardians, and school staff. Explore the sections below to learn more about COVID-19 information and resources for schools.
For more health topics visit school and youth health.
Protecting children and youth from COVID-19
Immunizations help keep kids, the people around them, and their schools safe and protected from COVID-19. Any child between the age of 6 months and 17 can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Book your child’s immunization appointment.
BCCDC guidance
The when to get tested for COVID-19 resource or the BC Self-Assessment Tool provides more information on whether you should get a test for COVID-19. Those unsure or concerned about their symptoms should connect with a health care provider or call 8-1-1.
School information
Explore these websites for information on COVID-19 vaccines:
- How to get vaccinated for COVID-19 - Government of BC
- Children and COVID-19 vaccination - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccinations for children are safe and effective: From a Prince George Pediatrician - Northern Health
- COVID-19: How vaccines are developed (video) - Health Canada
- Should I get my child vaccinated? (video) - First Nations Health Authority
COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months-4 years
- COVID-19 vaccine FAQ for children 6 months - 4 yrs - ImmunizeBC
- COVID-19 vaccination for children (PDF) - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years
Any child between five and 11 years old can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents can register their child to be notified when to book an appointment.
- COVID-19 vaccines FAQ for children - ImmunizeBC
- COVID-19 vaccination for children - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
COVID-19 vaccine for youth aged 12-17 years
- Children and COVID-19 vaccination - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccines FAQ for youth - ImmunizeBC
COVID-19 vaccine for pregnancy, fertility, and breastfeeding
- COVID-19 planning for your vaccine - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccine myths and facts - The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
- Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - FNHA, Métis Nation British Columbia, BCAAF, BCCDC
- Vaccine considerations - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
Reporting vaccine reactions
If you experience unexpected side effects, report them to your local health unit. Learn about expected vaccine side effects.
According to the BCCDC, students, staff, and others can take preventative actions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases in K-12 school settings. Students can attend school safely when we work together to follow Public Health recommendations:
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19; find a vaccine clinic near you.
- Attending school safely - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- Preventing COVID-19 in schools - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 cases in schools - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
Travel
For international travel, review the following Government of Canada resources for the most up-to-date guidance:
This section is to support school staff, principals, and superintendents with questions and concerns about COVID-19 in school settings. For more information visit the following:
- K-12 schools and COVID-19 - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- Administrators and districts sector leaders can find K-12 guidance and tools to support low-risk in-person learning in schools and resources for working with parents and communities - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
Guidelines
- COVID-19 safe schools - Government of BC
- Provincial COVID-19 communicable disease guidelines for K-12 settings (PDF) - Ministry of Education
- Post-secondary studies during COVID-19 - Government of BC
For more information
See the Northern Health testing and self-isolation information.
Visit the school and youth health page for resources and supports, under the mental health and emotional wellness section.
If you or your child is struggling or needs support with mental wellness, there are many resources available in the child and youth mental health and substance use resource guide for families.