The Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is providing lower-dose paediatric Covid vaccines for children aged six months to five-years-old at weekly vaccination clinics.
The GBHU says the Moderna Spikevax vaccine, which has been authorized by Health Canada for children within the age group, is also available at participating pharmacies and through primary care providers.
The health unit says on July 14, Health Canada authorized the Spikevax vaccine after going through a thorough an independent review of evidence, which determined the benefits of the vaccine for that age group outweigh the potential risks.
The GBHU adds in following Health Canada’s approval, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization released its vaccine recommendations for children aged six months to five years. The committee recommends a primary series of two doses of the Spikevax vaccine be offered to children who do not have contraindications to the vaccine, with a recommended dosing interval between first and second doses of at least eight weeks.
Health Unit Physician Consultant Dr. Rim Zayed says, “vaccinating this age group is not only the preferred and safest way to protect young children from Covid, but it also provides further protection to the children’s family members who may be at increased risk of severe illness from the virus.”
The health unit says the Moderna Spikevax vaccine will be available at public health operated clinics. The Paediatric Moderna vaccine, however, will not be available at GO-VAXX buses or indoor clinics.
Those looking to book an appointment to have their child vaccinated, can visit the Covid vaccination portal, or call the provincial vaccine contact centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Additionally, immunocompromised youth between ages of 12 and 17 became eligible to receive their second booster dose on July 28, if at least six months have passed since their first.
