Remarks from the Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, July 14, 2022

Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, July 14, 2022

July 14 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Vaccination is an important tool in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and it remains one of the most effective ways to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Given that some provinces have entered a summer wave, today’s announcement on the authorization of a vaccine for children under 5 years of age is welcome news.

A COVID-19 vaccine to protect young children has been long anticipated by many parents in Canada. Today’s announcement provides parents and caregivers with a vaccine option to protect younger children in their care against COVID-19.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has carefully reviewed the available evidence on the safety, efficacy and immune response generated by the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the spread and severity of COVID-19 in children under the age of 5. NACI is recommending that a complete two-dose primary series of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to children aged 6 months to 5 years, who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. NACI recommends at least 8 weeks between the first and second dose.

For children 6 months to 5 years of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, NACI recommends that a primary series of three doses may be offered with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks between each dose. This is because people who are immunocompromised may have a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.

Infectious diseases, like COVID-19, are unpredictable. Although younger children are less likely to get very ill from COVID-19, some can get really sick, including previously healthy children. Since Omicron became the dominant variant, more children have become infected and the number of hospitalizations and ICU admissions of children under 5 years of age with COVID-19 has increased. COVID-19 vaccination in younger children will increase their protection against severe illness.

Even if a child has been previously infected with COVID-19, vaccination is still important. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination helps improve the immune response and can provide stronger and longer-lasting protection.

For children under 5 years of age who have already had COVID-19, NACI suggests waiting 8 weeks after the start of COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test before beginning or continuing the primary series. This interval may be shortened to 4 weeks for children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

At this time, NACI recommends that children 6 months to 5 years of age receive this vaccine 14 days before or after receiving a non-COVID-19 vaccine. This precaution will help determine if a side effect that may arise following immunization is due to the COVID-19 vaccine or a non-COVID-19 vaccine. There may be circumstances when it is necessary for a dose of this vaccine to be given at the same time as another vaccine, in which case a health care provider can help with decision-making.

Based on provincial and territorial projections, there will be sufficient supply of the Moderna Spikevax vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years of age. The Government of Canada is working closely with provincial and territorial partners and understands they will be rolling out vaccination programs for children in this age group shortly. Please check your provincial, territorial or local health authority website for information on when the vaccine will be available in your area.

Starting a primary series now will provide some protection to these young children. It is also an opportune time to remind everyone to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and the boosters recommended for them.

While this authorization and NACI recommendations will come as a relief to many parents of young children, some may still have questions about vaccination. Parents and caregivers should speak with a trusted health care provider if they have questions. Information is also available on your federal, provincial, territorial or local public health authority's website.

Read my backgrounder to access COVID-19 Information and Resources, including information on vaccination and ways to reduce your risk of infection and spreading the virus to others.

Contacts

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca