Chatham-Kent Public Health is getting ready to administer COVID-19 shots to children aged 5-11, but the local top public health official says the process depends entirely on the vaccine supply.
Health Canada is expected to announce the approval of the Pfizer vaccine for young children on Friday.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby hopes to start vaccinating local children before December at the Bradley Centre and multiple other venues. Colby said schools may not be the best place to vaccinate students for logistical reasons.
He expects a "big rush" at the beginning of the process, but it will slow down because young children 5-11 are not a large group in Chatham-Kent.
"This is a new vaccine. It's not the same as what the adults are getting. Supposedly the shipments are ready to go and we anticipate starting before December," said Colby. "We're hoping that the vaccination of the 5-11 year olds will account for the protection of a significant segment of the population, which can not only get very sick but serve as a source of infection for others."
The health unit said Pfizer’s pediatric formula of the vaccine is approximately a third of the size of the adult version. Similar to the adult shot, the pediatric formulation will also require two doses.
Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore said this week the interval between the two doses for children will be eight weeks, the same as adults.
Citing sources, The Toronto Star reports a delivery of about three million doses of the children's Pfizer vaccine is expected to arrive in Canada in the coming days, enough for every eligible child to receive the first dose.
Public health officials said having a child fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can help restore a more normal life, including school and activities, because fully vaccinated individuals without symptoms will not be required to isolate when exposed to a positive case of the virus.
Officials also said parents who have children with allergies should talk with their family doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine. They also noted the COVID-19 vaccine has been given to millions of people around the world and there is no reason to believe that any of the vaccines will have negative, long term health effects.
More details about the vaccine for children 5-11 can be found here.