(Ottawa) The benefits of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for children outweigh the risks, according to Health Canada. Vaccination can therefore begin quickly in Quebec. It is a matter of days, according to the office of the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé.
Health Canada on Friday authorized the administration of two doses at three week intervals. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization, however, recommends a delay of at least eight weeks between the first and the second dose.
Health Canada reports that “no serious side effects have been identified” during clinical trials of Pfizer-BioNTech. They have also shown that the vaccine was 90.7% effective against COVID-19. It elicited an immune response in this age group similar to that measured in 16 to 25 year olds.
Each of these doses of vaccine for 5-11 year olds is 10 micrograms. This corresponds to one third of those given to adolescents and adults.
Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine is the only vaccine approved for immunization of children in the country. The manufacturer submitted its request to Health Canada on October 18. Earlier this week, Moderna also applied for approval for its vaccine to be used for children aged 6 to 11.
The Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) is closely monitoring the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with the Moderna vaccine. Last week, French Public Health advised against it for those under 30 years old given the incidence of these inflammations of the heart for this age category.
In rare cases, Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine could also cause inflammation of the heart.
More details to come.