Health Canada has authorized the use of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children six months to five years of age.
This is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada for use in this age group and marks a milestone in Canada’s response to COVID-19.
As a result of this authorization, approximately 1.7 million children are now eligible for vaccination against COVID-19.
Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada’s chief medical advisor, says the clinical trials were followed closely for any reports of side effects.
“The vaccine was well tolerated with no unexpected safety issues identified. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were irritability or crying, pain at the injection site, sleepiness, loss of appetite and fatigue.”
Sharna adds efficacy was assessed when the Omicron variant was circulating and the vaccine was well tolerated and no safety signals were identified from the trial.
Two doses of vaccine will be administered two weeks apart noted Sharma.
“It’s a smaller dose of 25 micrograms, which is half the dose authorized for children six to 11 years of age, and one quarter of the dose authorized for people over the age of 12.”
Children who are immunocompromised are recommended to get a three-dose series with a four-to-eight week wait between shots.
Health officials say the vaccine is expected to be available across the country shortly.
