CALGARY — Youth partaking in sports, recreation and performance activities will not be required to show proof of vaccination says Alberta’s top doctor.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided some clarity on Monday, saying physical activity is critically important for the overall health and well-being of youth.
Physical activity is critically important for the overall health & well-being of youth & is necessary to daily living. That is why AB government decided against requiring proof of vaccination for youth U-18 who are taking part in sport, rec & performance activities. (1/4)
— Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health (@CMOH_Alberta) September 20, 2021
Hinshaw says that is why the province decided against requiring vaccination proof for youth under 18.
She adds that some arenas and facilities have decided to take a “one-size-fits-all” approach in requiring proof of vaccination, eliminating options for youth under 18 to take part.
“While nothing prohibits these organizations from doing so, I encourage organizations to allow all youth under the age of 18 to participate in sport, recreation and performance activities, and focus on other ways to reduce COVID risk in these settings,” Hinshaw said in a release.
As of Monday afternoon, 61.6 per cent of youth aged 12 to 14 are fully vaccinated, while 63.2 per cent of Albertans aged 15 to 19 are fully vaccinated.
