In a press conference Friday morning, BC Health officials announced Health Canada’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to eleven.
Until now, the vaccine was only authorized for people 12 years of age or older.
“British Columbia welcomes the news that Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged five to 11” Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health said in a statement.
“The rigorous review confirms that this first vaccine formulated for younger children is safe and effective.”
(1/3) Health Canada has authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty #CovidVaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. Until now, this vaccine was authorized for use in people 12 years of age or older. https://t.co/rKTp7lzBJB
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) November 19, 2021
(2/3) After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, the Department has determined that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing #Covid19 in children between 5 and 11 years of age.
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) November 19, 2021
(3/3) Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to closely monitor the safety of this vaccine, and will take action if any safety concerns are identified. For more information, visit: https://t.co/m5ZgkqY5Ma
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) November 19, 2021
The vaccine for children has a smaller dose than the vaccine for those twelve years of age and older. According to officials, this is due to children’s stronger immune system compared to youth and adults.
Similar to the vaccine program outlined for youth and adults, children five to eleven years old should receive two doses of the vaccine to maximize immunity.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the second dose be given at least eight weeks after the first dose.
Parents and guardians in BC are encouraged to register their children to get vaccinated on the provincial Get Vaccinated website or by calling 1-833-838-2323.
According to officials, more than 75,000 children have already been registered for their vaccine and are on the list to be contacted to book an appointment.
Detailed information on BC’s vaccination plan for children five to eleven are expected to be shared early next week.
“We look forward to making the pediatric vaccine available for 360,000 young British Columbians as soon as possible” BC officials said.
