Health Canada approved Pfizer’s bivalent booster to be used for children five- to 11-years-old. .This bivalent booster is the first one authorized for this age group targeting the initial COVID-19 strain and the Omicron variant, according to a Friday statement. .The statement said Health Canada authorized the booster to be used in people 12 years and older in October. While the formula for children five to 11 years old is the same, it said the dose is one-third of that authorized for 12 and up. .The statement went on to say Health Canada determined the Pfizer bivalent boosters were safe and effective for this age group after a thorough, independent scientific review of the evidence. It added the benefits outweigh any potential risks. .Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools to protect families, communities, and people against COVID-19. Evidence indicates COVID-19 vaccines authorized to be used in Canada continue to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. .Terms and conditions were placed on the authorization, requiring Pfizer to continue provide information to Health Canada on the safety and efficacy of the boosters. This will provide it with more data from ongoing studies and real-world use to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh any risks and detect any potential new safety signals..Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to monitor the safety of these vaccines in Canada and abroad. .Health Canada greenlit a bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and directed it be used as a booster shot for people 18 and older in September. .READ MORE: Health Canada authorizes first bivalent COVID-19 booster.These vaccines were the first of their kind ever authorized in Canada. .Health Canada determined the bivalent vaccines were safe and effective after a thorough, independent scientific review of the evidence. Clinical trials showed a booster dose of this vaccine triggered a strong immune response against the first COVID-19 strain and Omicron.
