Health Canada ‘rigorously’ reviewing Pfizer vax for kids, says COVID in ‘decline’ across country
Posted October 22, 2021 1:03 pm.
Last Updated October 22, 2021 5:04 pm.
In an update Friday, Health Canada said it is continuing to rigorously analyze Pfizer’s submission for a COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 to 11.
“It’s something we can take really seriously so we want to make sure that we are reviewing the submission very, very carefully,” said Health Canada’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Supriya Sharma.
“We wouldn’t authorize it unless it met the rigorous standards that we have to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks.”
Earlier Friday, Pfizer released data from its own study which found the vaccine is nearly 91 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infections in kids aged 5 to 11.
The Pfizer vaccine for children uses the same MRNA technology as the one for adults, but in a smaller dosage. It is sold under the name Comirnaty.
Canada has already struck a deal to secure enough Pfizer vaccine doses for all children in that age group, but Health Canada stressed that doesn’t mean an approval is rubber stamped.
“We aren’t at that stage (approval) yet,” said Canada’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Howard Njoo. “We are continuing to encourage adults to get vaccinated, and the regulator is continuing to study the evidence of Pfizer’s submission.”
A recent Angus Reid survey showed that about 50 per cent of parents are eager to have their children vaccinated. But a significant number (nearly 25 per cent) say they won’t vaccinate their kids.
That hesitancy seems strongest in Quebec, where the survey found 30 per cent said they won’t have their kids vaccinated.
CityNews asked parents to share their thoughts and concerns about vaccine for children, and received hundreds of varying responses.
My two that are not yet eligible were more excited to get the shot then there older sib who is already double vacd. They will be first in line I think if they need to camp out. They know it keeps them safe and let’s them go to school and play with friends
— Angel turcotte (@turcottemom3) October 21, 2021
As a parent, I would like to give the vaccine a little more time, maybe a year before I can make that decision. No testing can replace the test of time, I don’t see a need to rush my kids to get this. As with anything new it’s fair and wise to be cautious.
— John (@JG25) October 21, 2021
Yes, absolutely. There’s far too many studies (and personal experience) on what the virus can do long term. No reason to doubt this or any vaccine.
— GM (@MoreGrapa) October 20, 2021
Well, there is no need for children to receive this injection. The easily accessible, available data shows they have less risk of harm from the virus than the shot. So simply put, no chance.
— Heather (@h_nelligan) October 20, 2021
Absolutely my 8yr old son will. And when it’s approved for toddlers my 2yr old son will too. I have ZERO concerns. We know the possible side effects of the vaccine, nothing in it is new. We don’t know the long term effects of COVID, especially in children.
— TotalRandomMama (@TotalRandomMama) October 20, 2021
I am vaccinated, and I believe all adults should as we are headed in the right direction however…I will not vaccinating my boys. I am not comfortable with all the myocarditis cases not even research for me.
— Bianca Sousa (@bee28p) October 20, 2021
In the meantime, Health Canada struck an optimistic tone about the fight against COVID-19, with Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam saying Friday that cases are in “a continued decline nationally.”
“We are beginning to see the downward side of the fourth wave,” Tam said. “Severe illness trends are stabilizing.”
Tam attributed the success to high vaccination rates across Canada, while noting that no vaccine is perfect and breakthrough cases are still a reality.
With that in mind, she advises Canadians to remain vigilant about mask wearing and avoiding crowded, indoor public places when possible.
