Health officials are assuring the vaccine for kids age 5-11 will be no less effective even though they will be getting a smaller dose.
The province is waiting in the wings for Health Canada’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group, and has indicated that they will begin vaccine rollout as soon as they get the green light.
Some concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the dosage approved for that age group, which is lower than that given to teens and adults. The argument is that an 11-year-old kid could be as big as some teenagers, leading parents to wonder if the vaccine will be as effective when they receive the lower dose.
According to Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the vaccine will be no less effective.
She says the dose isn’t based on weight, like it would be for some medications.
Instead, it’s based on the immune system response which is quite good in children.