Canada could approve first COVID vaccine for youngest kids this month: feds
Federal officials say a COVID-19 vaccine for Canada’s youngest children could be approved as soon as this month.
Health Canada tweeted Tuesday that it expects to reach a decision by mid-July on whether to approve Moderna’s shot for children between six months and five years old.
(1/3) We realize parents are wondering when a #CovidVaccine for younger children will be available in Canada. Health Canada is reviewing Moderna’s submission for children 6 months to < 6 years of age. A decision is expected by mid-July. pic.twitter.com/ZXqXnyJcTQ
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— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) July 5, 2022
Moderna has applied for its vaccine to be given in two doses, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart.
The agency says it received a submission from Pfizer-BioNTech on June 23 for its vaccine for children between the ages of six months and four years old.
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A Health Canada spokesperson says regulators are still working out a timeline for their review of Pfizer-BioNTech’s application.
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Canada has yet to authorize a vaccine for its nearly two million children under five.
Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine can be used on kids as young as five, and Moderna’s Spikevax shot has been approved for children ages six and up.
