Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year-olds now okayed by Health Canada and federal government

The federal government will be announcing this morning (November 19) at 10 am that Health Canada has approved the Pfizer vaccine for five to 11 year olds.

In a release, the government said it had been okayed, noting, “The vaccine is approved for people who are five years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than five years of age have not yet been established.”

Prior to being shifted to the Ministry of Defence portfolio when she was still the Minister of Services and Procurement, Oakville MPP Anita Anand confirmed that Canada would have an ample supply of the “pediatric Pfizer vaccine” meant specifically for this age group.

The pediatric Pfizer is only one-third the strength of the adult doses.

In the government release, it was made clear that just like adults, children would need two doses for maximum protection against COVID-19.

However, the dosing schedule for children is actually 21 days apart “based on evidence from clinical trials.”

As is the case for adults, regional medical health units would now be in charge of setting up clinics for the school-aged children.

Apparently, Pfizer has a cap colouring system to differentiate between the adult and pediatric vaccines so there is no confusion. The doses of the adult version came with purple caps; the pediatric doses have orange cap to ensure five year old are not accidentally given the adult version.