Travelling with kids younger than 12 presents challenges during a pandemic
Vaccinations against COVID-19 are only available to those who are above the age of 12, and with travel restrictions starting to loosen and families starting to book trips, that can mean more complications for families.
Jenna Morton and her family of five from Boundary Creek, N.B. plan to pack up and venture from New Brunswick to Quebec for vacation later this summer.
It will be the first time they've travelled outside of the Atlantic region since the start of the pandemic.
Although her husband is fully vaccinated and she's booked for her second dose, her children are all under the age of eligibility.
"I think I would be very nervous if we were looking at a big trip to a big city environment for sure," Morton sad. "Having kids who can't be vaccinated yet, it's tricky when it comes to wanting to travel for us, we don't do a lot of those big trips to the south, or to the states, so our kids don't feel like they're missing out on things."
New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell says when it comes to families travelling with unvaccinated children, everyone has to make their choices with their own safety -- and the safety of their loved ones -- in mind.
"If you're vaccinated, that's one thing, but obviously if your kids are at risk then you still want to keep them protected as best you can," Russell said. "So, I think individuals have the choices to make for themselves and their families or their loved ones."
And when it comes to risk of contracting COVID --- the most important thing to look at is current case rates in the area you are travelling to.
"The good news is, especially in the Atlantic region, but honestly for most of Canada as a whole right now, case rates are extremely low," said Halifax epidemiologist Kevin Wilson.
What is also important for parents is planning, and for the general public to get vaccinated to help protect those who can't.
"That really creates a shield around all of the people young children and people with health conditions and cannot get the vaccine," said Dr. Karina Top, a pediatric infectious disease physician in Halifax
It's all about taking away the opportunity for COVID-19 to travel from one person to another and to do that, it's important to follow whatever advice is in the area you are travelling -- and to use caution and common sense.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.