Northern Health is committed to supporting safe schools during the pandemic 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 5 and 17 can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Book your child’s immunization appointment.
COVID-19 orders
Visit the COVID-19 orders page for more information and frequently asked questions.
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 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.
- Children and COVID-19 vaccination - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccines FAQ for children - ImmunizeBC
- COVID-19 vaccination for children - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- What pediatricians have to say about vaccination - BC Children’s Hospital
COVID-19 vaccine for youth aged 12-17 years
- Children and COVID-19 vaccination - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccination information - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- COVID-19 vaccines FAQ for youth - ImmunizeBC
- COVID-19 vaccine safety for youth - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- This resource outlines vaccine safety information for 12 to 17 year olds with informative details and statistics from the province.
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.
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.
Living with COVID-19
The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated and follow Public Health guidance.
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19; find a vaccine clinic near you.
- Practice health awareness. See daily health checks for more information on what to do if you or someone in your household has symptoms of illness.
- Stay home when sick even when fully vaccinated.
- Wear masks when recommended. Be respectful and supportive of those who mask when it is a personal choice. For the most up-to-date school mask guidance, see COVID-19 safe schools.
- Wash your hands regularly.
Follow Public Health guidance
- Visit the BCCDC website for COVID-19 information and guidance.
- For more information, visit the K-12 schools and COVID-19 BCCDC website.
Travel
For international travel, review the following Government of Canada resources for the most up-to-date guidance:
- COVID-19 travel: Checklists for requirements and exemptions
- Includes a section for children and families, which provides information for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
- For those travelling with unvaccinated children under 12, review the COVID-19: Requirements for fully vaccinated travelers and unvaccinated children less than 12 years of age.
- COVID-19 testing for travelers
- COVID-19 vaccinated travelers entering Canada includes a section on children or dependents.
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:
- COVID-19 orders including frequently asked questions
- 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 - Ministry of Education
Immunization rates
Information is posted publicly on the COVID-19 vaccine plan webpage. Scroll down to the resources section near the bottom of the page and click on the numbers to date tab for a report on the latest COVID-19 immunization rates for Community Health Service Areas in the Northern Health region.
Data and reports
- Visit the data for K-12 schools webpage for monthly situational reports on COVID-19 in BC K-12 schools.
- Impact of school closures on learning, child and family well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and BC Children’s Hospital
- Post-secondary studies during COVID-19 - Government of BC
- Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of young adults in British Columbia - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
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. A new resource child and youth mental health and substance use resource guide for families is now available.