August 5, 2022 · 0 Comments
Parents and caregivers can now book appointments for children age six months to under five-years-old to receive the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
“We are very pleased that children aged six months to under five years are now able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit medical officer of health. “Evidence shows that the lower-dose paediatric Moderna Spikevax vaccine is safe and offers protection from risks of severe illness and hospitalization should they contract COVD-19. I encourage all parents and caregivers to consider getting their younger children vaccinated as soon as they are able, particularly if they have underlying health concerns or are immunocompromised.”
The Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada for use in children six months to under the age of five years.
In keeping with provincial guidance that is informed by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), children must be six months to under five years of age to receive the paediatric Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine.
Two doses of the vaccine are recommended, with at least eight weeks between the first and second doses.
It is advised that children who have recently had COVID-19 wait to receive their vaccine until eight weeks after the start of symptoms or testing positive.
A wait of 14 days between receiving another vaccine and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is also advised for this age group.
The SMDHU encourages parents and caregivers to make an informed choice about the vaccine, including speaking with their health care provider to discuss what is best for their child.
You can also contact the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service and book an appointment to speak with a registered nurse.
By Brian Lockhart