skip to main content

Pfizer COVID booster dose approved for kids between 5 and 11

Health Canada has authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between five and 11 years old. The country's top doctor explains how parents should decide whether or not to get their kids a second shot.

By The Canadian Press

Posted Aug 19, 2022 9:54 am.

Last Updated Aug 19, 2022 10:48 am.

Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says Health Canada is authorizing a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between five and 11 years old.

Tam says the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends children with underlying health conditions be offered a booster no earlier than six months after their second dose.

NACI’s advice says all other children in that age group may also be offered a booster.

Vaccine uptake in that age group is much lower than in all older demographics, with 42 per cent of kids aged five to 11 vaccinated with two doses.

The vaccine rate in every older demographic is higher than 83 per cent.

However, booster uptake among teenagers is also quite low, with fewer than one in five 12 to 17-year-olds receiving a booster eight months after NACI authorized them to get one.

Tam says nationally the latest wave of COVID-19 appears to be either at or past its peak with cases and hospitalizations waning in most regions.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

OTTAWA — Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister...

8h ago

'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73

'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73

Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy. A...

21m ago

'Red patches on the road': Alberta wildlife corridors reduce animal-car collisions

'Red patches on the road': Alberta wildlife corridors reduce animal-car collisions

Almost every day when Blair Painter drives on the scenic Rocky Mountain highway near his home, the grey asphalt is stained red somewhere along the way. And Painter, the mayor of Crowsnest Pass, says...

1h ago

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gets 91 per cent support in UCP leadership review

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gets 91 per cent support in UCP leadership review

Some 6,000 UCP members are in Red Deer for the party's convention to vote on what they think of Premier Danielle Smith's leadership so far.

Top Stories

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

OTTAWA — Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister...

8h ago

'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73

'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73

Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy. A...

21m ago

'Red patches on the road': Alberta wildlife corridors reduce animal-car collisions

'Red patches on the road': Alberta wildlife corridors reduce animal-car collisions

Almost every day when Blair Painter drives on the scenic Rocky Mountain highway near his home, the grey asphalt is stained red somewhere along the way. And Painter, the mayor of Crowsnest Pass, says...

1h ago

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gets 91 per cent support in UCP leadership review

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gets 91 per cent support in UCP leadership review

Some 6,000 UCP members are in Red Deer for the party's convention to vote on what they think of Premier Danielle Smith's leadership so far.

Most Watched Today

Calgary's Arts Commons celebrates 25 years with ‘Social Tango’

Calgary's Arts Commons celebrates 25 years with ‘Social Tango’

Known for its unique blend of high-energy dance and audience participation, Stanley says Social Tango has made an international impact.

17h ago

Calgarians enjoy holiday shopping at annual Festival of Crafts

Calgarians enjoy holiday shopping at annual Festival of Crafts

The Festival of Crafts in Calgary wraps up after four days of fine handmade crafts and thousands of visitors. Silvia Naranjo visited the market and talked to exhibitors and visitors.

17h ago

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday

Daylight saving time in North America ends on Sunday at 2 a.m. local time, meaning people will gain an extra hour of sleep. Silvia Naranjo reports.

Calgary home offers razors instead of Halloween treats, blames Trudeau

Calgary home offers razors instead of Halloween treats, blames Trudeau

Some Trick-or-Treaters in Calgary were met with a bowl filled with disposable razors on Halloween night, with a sign reading 'Sorry we can't afford apples because of Trudeau. So this year, just razors.'

Calgarians rally against UCP's transgender policies

Calgarians rally against UCP's transgender policies

A rally was held in downtown Calgary Saturday to protest the province's policies that impact transgender youth.