Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has been greenlit for kids 5 to 11 years old in Canada.
This marks the country’s first COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized for use in the age group.
Health Canada received the application from Pfizer-BioNTech to expand its vaccine to the age group on October 18th, shortly after it was given the go-ahead for children 12 to 15 years old on May 5th.
The agency has authorized a lower dose for kids under 11, almost a third of the normal dose normally given to those 12 and older.
Officials say the decision is backed by clinical trial data that showed the vaccine was 90.7 per cent effective in children 5 to 11 years old with no serious side effects reported.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued the following statement regarding the decision:
“British Columbia welcomes the news that Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged five to 11. The rigorous review confirms that this first vaccine formulated for younger children is safe and effective. We also welcome the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization on the use of this new lower-dose vaccine to provide protection to children from five to 11 years of age. We look forward to making the pediatric vaccine available for 360,000 young British Columbians as soon as possible.
“We encourage B.C. parents and guardians to register their children to get vaccinated at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca – or by calling 1 833 838-2323 toll-free. Already, more than 75,000 children have been registered for their vaccine and are on the list to be contacted to book an appointment and get their COVID-19 pediatric vaccine.”
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