Did you know that young children ages six months to 5 years are now able to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Here’s what parents and guardians need to know:
In this Story…
The Moderna vaccine was approved for young children
In July, Health Canada approved the Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID-19 vaccine formulated for children between the ages of six months and 5 years old. Vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the COVID-19 virus.
Vaccination helps children and families get back to many important activities that positively benefit children’s physical and mental health. The vaccine also reduces the risk of transmission to children’s close contacts, who may be at higher risk of severe illness.
The vaccine is now available at local clinics
All public health vaccine clinics will have these vaccines available, and the clinics will be child friendly. Vaccines for children six months to 5 years are not available in local pharmacies.
Children need to be registered for an appointment
Register your child now in the Get Vaccinated system, just as you registered yourself or your older children. You’ll then be invited to book a vaccine appointment at your local community clinic. Walk-in appointments are not available. If your child is younger than six months, you can register them now too – when they become eligible for the vaccine, you’ll be invited to book their appointment.
The vaccine is safe for children in this age group
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and specifically tailored for children. Health Canada conducts a rigorous review of all vaccines before making its determination, and we can be confident they have done their due diligence with this vaccine too. Information about the COVID vaccine for children can be found on Health Canada’s website.
Children will get a smaller dose, and they’ll need two doses
The Moderna mRNA vaccine for young children uses a dose one quarter the size of the dose used for youth and adults. To complete the initial series of vaccinations, young children will need two doses, with the second dose offered about eight weeks after the first dose.
If your child already had COVID-19 and recovered, they should still be vaccinated
The vaccine helps maintain protection from serious illness. Your child can get the vaccine eight weeks after their symptoms started, or after they tested positive for COVID-19.
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