Number Of Doses For Primary Series
Most COVID-19 vaccines require 2 doses for the primary series. A second dose is essential for longer-lasting and optimal protection, including against most variants of concern. If you’ve already had COVID-19, you should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and may be offered 2 doses.
A different COVID-19 vaccine may be offered for your second dose. This is known as a mixed vaccine schedule. NACI recommends that mRNA vaccines should be offered for both first and second doses. This is the case even if you received a first dose of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine.
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What Is The Earliest A Vaccine Might Be Authorized
Fauci has said that he hopes the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be authorized before March. But Moffitt thinks that assessment is optimistic. If you look at the precedent set for older children, she says, the FDA and CDC have typically taken three to four weeks to consider emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. So even if the companies submitted their data to the FDA tomorrow, it might still take a month.
And theres no indication when that data is going to be available to submit. Moffitt says that clinical trial investigators would typically wait another month after a third dose has been administered to measure antibody responses and compile the data. She says that Fauci would certainly have the best information on when Pfizer and BioNTech expect to have that data but depending how long it takes, we could be looking at late winter or even to early spring.
Moderna, meanwhile, has said that it expects to report data for kids ages two to five in March and may proceed with seeking emergency use authorization afterward. Following the precedent set by Pfizer, Moffitt says that could mean the shot would be available as early as April.
So I do worry that the lack of authorization for Moderna in 12- to 17-year-olds would potentially further delay a decision, Moffitt says.
Keep Following Public Health Measures
Even once you are fully vaccinated, you should continue to follow public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19covid 19 and stay safe. This includes:
- Stay at home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- Wear a mask where it is required
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
- Cover your cough
- Follow guidance on how to celebrate holidays and festive events safely
- Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19covid 19 or if you have been identified as a high-risk close contact of a COVID-19covid 19 case by public health
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Side Effects Of Vaccination
The side effects of vaccination in children and young adults are similar to those seen in adults. These side effects are generally mild and should only last 1 or 2 days.
The most common side effects are:
- a sore arm from your injection you can put a cold cloth or ice pack on it to feel better
- a headache
- nausea
- aching muscles.
After vaccination they will need to stay for at least 15 minutes so that a health professional can monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.
If they feel unwell, get them to rest and drink plenty of fluids. They should avoid vigorous exercise, like running around or swimming. Paracetamol can be taken after vaccination to help to relieve fever or pain.
What To Bring To Your Appointment

For your appointment, you should bring:
- your booking confirmation code or email
- your Ontario health card, if you have one
- a letter from your school, medical provider or faith leader, if you dont have an Ontario health card
- your immunization record, if available, to keep track of your COVID-19covid 19 vaccine
- an allergy form, if you have a suspected allergy to the Pfizer vaccine or any of its ingredients or have had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine
- a mask
- a support person, if needed
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Give Consent At The Vaccine Appointment
Consent is required for children ages 5 to 11 to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Consent for a child can be provided by a:
- Parent, legal guardian or foster parent
- Custodial caregiver like a grandparent or relative
Only 1 parent, legal guardian or foster parent is required to give consent. You’ll be asked to provide consent at the clinic location.
Will The Kids Vaccine Take Omicron Into Account
In short, no. Although there has been discussion about adjusting the mRNA vaccines specifically to target the Omicron variant, Moffitt says the clinical trial data that the FDA and CDC will be assessing are the same formulations as the vaccines that older populations have receivedjust lower doses. And because the clinical trials began before the Omicron variant emerged, there likely wont be any clear data on how well the vaccine works against the variant.
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Who’s Eligible And How To Book
All vaccines approved for children require 2 doses at least 8 weeks apart to be fully protected. Minors under 18 require verbal or written consent from a parent or guardian to be vaccinated.
Children 12 and older
Children under 5
- Clinical trials are underway. Results are expected in 2022.
Cancel Or Rescheduling A Vaccination Appointment
Need to cancel or reschedule a vaccination appointment booked online through www.gnb.ca/bookavaccine or by calling 1-833-437-1424?
If you have the Booking ID found in the appointment confirmation email and the date of birth of the person scheduled to receive the vaccine, you can cancel AND reschedule the appointment by .
If you donât have the Booking ID or date of birth, you can cancel the appointment by filling out the following form OR by calling 1-833-437-1424 to reach someone who will assist you in cancelling or rescheduling your appointment.
If you submit the cancellation form, wait to receive a cancellation email before booking a new appointment. The email will be sent within 48 hours of submitting the form. At this time, you will be able to book another appointment online or by calling 1-833-437-1424.
The earlier you can provide notification, the better. By cancelling your appointment as soon as possible, you may be helping someone else in your community get vaccinated sooner against COVID-19.
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Choosing Where To Receive A Second Dose
- If you have lost your Record of Immunization and got your first dose at a New Brunswick Pharmacy, you can book an appointment through either a pharmacy or a clinic hosted by a regional health authority.
- If you have lost your record of immunization and got your first dose at a clinic hosted by a regional health authority, you must again book through a regional health authority.
- If you got your first dose outside of New Brunswick and have lost your record of immunization, you will need to contact the jurisdiction or organization that provided the first dose to obtain a record of that dose.
Book Your Free Shot It’s Safe And Easy
COVID-19 vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get it. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.
Everyone 5+ can get vaccinated. Children 5 to 11 must book online or by calling 811, walk-ins are not available at this time. People 18+ can get a third dose 5 months after their second dose.
AHS clinics and pharmacies use the same central online booking system. You can also book by calling 811, visiting a walk-in clinic, or contacting a doctor’s office.
- 89.1% of Albertans 12+ with at least 1 dose
- 85% of Albertans 12+ fully vaccinated
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What Do Parents Need To Know About The Safety Of The Vaccine
On October 29, the FDA expanded the Emergency Use Authorization for the PfizerâBioNTech COVIDâ19 vaccine to include children 5 to 11 years of age. The FDA has determined that the Pfizer vaccine has met the appropriate criteria and will be an effective tool in preventing COVIDâ19 among this age group. For more specific details, we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer.
Vaccine Safety And Eligibility

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. All COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children follow the same review and approval process.
Like all COVID-19 vaccines in Canada, vaccines for children are free, safe and effective. When you get your child vaccinated, you protect them from severe illness from COVID-19 and reduce the spread of infection in your community.
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Book Your Third Dose Or Booster Dose
Who is currently eligible for a third dose or booster dose and what is the recommended interval?
- For immunocompromised individuals, a primary series is now considered 3 doses.
- Individuals 12 and over who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment can now book their 3rd additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine if at least 28 days has passed since their 2nd dose.
- A complete list of medical conditions and treatments can be found on the Declaration of Eligibility form. Individuals will need to sign this form attesting that they meet the eligibility criteria.
The following groups can book an appointment for a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine if at least 28 days have passed since their second dose:
- Fully immunized individuals who have received one or two doses of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria/COVISHIELD vaccine in their series .
- Individuals who received a mixed vaccine series and must travel outside of North America for work, education or medical procedures. These individuals must provide a letter that includes their first and last name that shows their travel outside North America is essential.
- Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen vaccine .
About The Vaccine For 5
Pfizer will be a two dose schedule, but pediatric vaccines are a different formulation and/or dosage, depending upon manufacturer than the current formulations for 12 years and older.
The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is a different formulation from the current vaccine for +12 years. A new stabilizer allows the thawed vaccine to be stored for 10 weeks, whereas the +12 formulation is stable for four weeks in the fridge. The dosage will be 0.2 ml given in the upper arm muscle. The +12 dosage is 0.3ml. All vaccine related supplies, including needles will be provided by the federal government.
Clinical trials showed children five to 11 years old had very good immune responses to the Pfizer vaccine with 90.7 per cent efficacy when they received two doses at least 21 days apart. The optimal interval between doses is eight weeks however, families may choose to receive the second dose as early as 21 days after the initial dose.
You can read and/or print the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for youth information, safety and after care sheets.
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Why Children Are Being Offered The Covid
COVID-19 is usually mild in most children, but it can make some children unwell.
1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine gives good protection against your child getting seriously ill. But 2 doses gives stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Vaccinating children can also help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including within schools.
Third Dose For Immunocompromised 12+
Immunocompromised Albertans 12 and older
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Children Ages 5 To 11 Differ Greatly In Size Why Is This Age Group So Vast
Vaccine doses are based on age and the bodyâs maturity to develop a strong immune response vs. body size, Ascher says.
âThe vaccine trials addressed vaccine doses across many ages to determine which is the safest dose with the largest immune response, with the least amount of side effects,â he says.
If youâd like more information on COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, you can contact your doctor or other health care providers. You can also check out the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services websites for updates.
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How Can I Get To My Vaccination Site
The mass vaccination clinics, when they open, will be accessible by public transit. Use the OC Transpo travel planner to figure out the best route. If you are a Para Transpo user, you can book your ride to the pop-up clinic like you would normally do. If a transportation option is not available to you, you can request a ride to and from a popup clinic when you book your vaccine appointment.
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Are The Side Effects From Pfizers Vaccine Different In Children Than In Adolescents
The side effects for children from this clinical trial are comparable to those from the adolescent study. According to the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects in the adolescent trial were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever, and joint pain. If they arise, side effects generally are gone within one to three days.
What’s more, according to documents Pfizer presented to the FDA, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and muscle pain were generally milder and less frequent in 5- to 11- year olds than they were in adolescents.
Its important to note that allergies to Pfizers vaccine ingredients are rare. The vaccine does not contain eggs, preservatives, or latex. If you have any questions about allergies, talk to your childs pediatrician before vaccination.
Though uncommon, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in some individualsparticularly in males ages 16 to 29have been linked to an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis .
In most cases, symptoms appeared within a few days of the second dose. With medical attention, including medication and rest, most felt better quickly, according to the CDC.
I can say that in the adolescent group, these conditions are very, very rare, Dr. Murray says. And for children ages 5 to 11 in this trial, the dose is one-third of what was given to the older population.
Is The Vaccine Dosage For Younger Kids Different Than For Teens And Adults

Yes. Children in Pfizers 5-to-11-year-old group received two 10-microgram doses. Teens and adults, by comparison, received two 30-microgram doses. Pfizer says its data shows that the smaller dose produces a strong immune response in the 5-to-11-year-old cohort, on par with 16- to 25-year-olds, who received a higher dose.
A smaller dose works just as well in children because their immune systems are more robust than those of adults, Dr. Sude explains.
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Here Are Some Common Myths About Covid
Can the mRNA vaccine alter a persons DNA? No. mRNA is not able to alter or modify a persons genetic makeup . The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA are kept. This means the mRNA does not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 vaccines that use mRNA work with the bodys natural defenses to safely develop protection to disease. Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause a COVID-19 infection?
No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in Canada use the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. The goal of each of the vaccines is to teach the immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign of the immune response to vaccine.
It usually takes the body a few weeks to build immunity after receiving a vaccine. It is possible that someone could become infected with the COVID-19 virus before or just after getting the vaccine and get sick. This happens because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection in the body. Learn more about COVID-19.
How do I know if the vaccine is halal?
Is it true that the COVID-19 vaccines contain elements from a human fetus?
Can someone who has been vaccinated shed the virus and put others at risk?
Does Cvs Feel Prepared For This New Wave Of Age Eligibility Does Cvs Have Enough Trained Instore Pharmacists And Technicians To Manage The Additional Vaccine Capacity
CVS Pharmacy locations offering the COVIDâ19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years were selected based on available supply of the vaccine. We also selected stores that have vaccinators solely focused on administering vaccines. All locations offering the COVIDâ19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age will be fully staffed and trained for the new wave of eligibility.
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