Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can be given to kids as young as 12, Health Canada says

OTTAWA – The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children between the ages of 12 and 15.

Health Canada says the updated approval is effective immediately, so if provinces choose to, they can start giving the shot to children in this approved age group right away.

“While younger people are less likely to experience serious cases of COVID-19, having access to a safe and effective vaccine will help control the disease’s spread to their families and friends, some of whom may be at higher risk of complications,” Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada’s chief medical adviser, said Wednesday.

Here is the official news release from Health Canada on approving the Pfizer vaccine for children as young at 12 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/DMvE58ia5g

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 5, 2021

“It will also support the return to a more normal life for our children, who have had such a hard time over the past year,” she added.

The drugmaker is expected to provide additional information of the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, and quality to Health Canada as part of conditions in the agency’s interim order.

Pfizer is the first vaccine approved for use in children.
While now authorized for use for 12+, Dr. Sharma notes trials are underway from numerous drugmakers to have COVID vaccines approved for children as young as 6 months. HC will vigorously review any submissions #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 5, 2021

Sharma says data from trials in children between 12 and 15 has shown that, after the second dose, Pfizer’s vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19.

“In the group that did not receive the vaccine, there were 18 cases of COVID-19, and in the group that received the vaccine, there were zero,” Sharma explained, adding there were 1,000 participants in each group.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, about 20 per cent of COVID-19 cases have been reported in people under the age of 19, she adds.

Trials are underway by Pfizer and other drugmakers for other age groups, including children as young as six months. More expansion for eligibility could come as early as the fall.

Pfizer is conducting trials for use of COVID vaccine in children aged 5-11. Expecting the results in September. Moderna also conducting trials on on that age group #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 5, 2021

While Sharma says the new authorization is “good news” in the fight against COVID-19, she notes we’re not yet at the end.

Canadians are being reminded to continue following public health guidelines, and being encouraged to get vaccinated if they can.