Fully-vaccinated Yukoners aged 12 to 17 could begin receiving a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today, provided they are six months past their second dose.

Rural clinics opened in Carcross. Haines Junction, Old Crow, Mayo, Dawson City and Watson Lake will also have clinics within the next week.

More clinic dates and communities are being scheduled and will be added to Yukon.ca in the coming days, the territorial government said Friday.

There will be more opportunities for this age group to access vaccines. The government will schedule enough appointments to provide a booster to all Yukoners aged 12 to 17 who wish to have one by the end of February.

Immunocompromised children aged five to 11 who have already received their primary series will be able to receive a third dose.

This third dose will ensure an appropriate immune response for children whose immune system is compromised.

The third dose for immunocompromised children is recommended four weeks after receiving a second dose.

A third shot differs from a booster dose. The third dose is the completion of a primary series for people who meet specific criteria, such as immunocompromised individuals.

On Friday afternoon, the government reported 143 active cases and 18 new cases from last Thursday.

The seven-day average number of cases as of that day was 196.1.

New cases are averaging 20.6 cases a day, while hospitalizations are running at 0.43 cases a day.

The postivity rate for test remains high at 30.6 per cent. That indicates far more cases are circulating in the public than are being identified.

As of last Wednesday, the community case counts showed Whitehorse with 90 cases, Watson Lake with six, Carcross with four, Dawson, Mayo and Haines Junction had three apiece, Pelly Crossing had two. Destruction Bay, Teslin and Faro each had single cases.

Data from the past weekend were unavailable before press time this afternoon.

The government continues to adjust its vaccination strategy based on the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and advice from Dr. Catherine Elliott, the acting chief medical officer of health.

Appointments can be made online at https://yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot. Whitehorse residents can also call 1-877-374-0425.

Residents in the communities can call their local health centre to book an appointment and can find clinic dates and times on Yukon.ca.

“Yukoners should get vaccinated and get their booster shot to help protect their health and safety and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our territory,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“Thank you to all the Yukoners who have gone to get their shots to protect their loved ones and our communities.”

Young children who are immunocompromised are less likely to have a robust response to the COVID-19 vaccine and require a third dose to ensure they are fully protected, the goverment said.

Second doses for children aged five to 11 are currently being delivered across the Yukon.

First and second doses for children will continue to be a priority at clinics.

People should wait at least 24 hours after their vaccination before requesting a proof of vaccination credential.

To ensure their vaccination credential reflects their entire vaccine history, people need to request a new credential after each dose of a vaccine.

McPhee and Elliott issued a statement on COVID-19 and health care workers on Friday afternoon.

“We offer our continued gratitude and appreciation to Yukon healthcare professionals and essential frontline workers,” they said.

“Working under incredibly demanding circumstances for the past two years, these everyday heroes have ensured we all continue to have reliable access to services and supplies, and support for our loved ones.”

“In particular,” the minister and physician said, “we want to highlight the skilled and compassionate individuals in our long-term care homes, our community health nurses, those working in our hospitals and the dedicated nurses at Yukon Communicable Disease Control, who have been working around the clock since this pandemic began.

“These people continue to go above and beyond to make sure Yukoners get the care and support they need.”

In this critical moment, as the Omicron wave begins to crest, they added, “the front line needs our help to ease the pressures on our health care system and keep community spread to a minimum.

“We ask all Yukoners to do their part for this vital workforce by getting vaccinated and boosted, keeping your social circles small, and practising the Safe 6 plus 1.”

As Yukoners look toward brighter days ahead, McPhee and Elliott , “let’s all continue to check in on friends and family, support our communities, and take care of one another.

“No one is immune from the impacts of COVID-19 and they continue to affect all of us in a myriad of ways. If you are struggling, please know that help is available. There is an expanding network of health and mental health resources available at Yukon.ca.

“Our actions today will define our coming months. With continued vigilance and care, we can emerge from this phase of the pandemic sooner and stronger.”