First bivalent booster for kids between 5 to 11 approved by Health Canada

Health Canada has authorized a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster for use in children between the ages of five to 11, which targets the original strain of the coronavirus and more recent variants.

The Pfizer shot is the first “bivalent” vaccine to be approved for use in children.

Health Canada says that after a thorough analysis, it has found the vaccine is safe and effective and that its benefits outweigh any possible risks when used as a booster dose.

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The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends children with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems receive a dose of the bivalent vaccine at least six months after they get their first two COVID-19 shots.

NACI says other children between five and 11 “may be” offered the bivalent booster.

At this time, experts are advising all children in that age group to receive only one COVID-19 booster vaccine.

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