Children between the ages of five and 11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron variant.
On Friday, Health Canada announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Omicron BA.4/BA.5 bivalent-adapted booster has been authorized for children between the ages of five and 11, marking the first vaccine for this age group that targets older and newer variants of COVID-19 simultaneously.
The booster shot was approved for people age 12 and older in October of this year.
Health Canada reports that the formulation for children aged 5-11 remains the same, however, the dose is just one-third of what older individuals receive. The organization claims to have undergone a “thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence,” and concluded that the booster is safe and effective.
The distribution of this vaccine comes with terms and conditions, however, with Health Canada requiring Pfizer-BioNTech to continue providing information about the safety and efficacy of this shot for young children.
Alongside this announcement, Health Canada issued a reminder to the public to stay up-to-date with their shots and boosters to prevent serious illness and other complications from COVID-19.