Boosters expand to kids aged 5-11

Albertans can soon start booking COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children aged five to 11, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Bookings will open on Aug. 29 and booster doses will start being given on Aug. 31.

Health Canada approved the use of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for booster doses in children aged five to 11 on Aug. 19. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada as a booster dose in this age group. The national and Alberta expert committees support booster doses for this age group, with a strong recommendation for children with immune-compromising conditions. It is recommended that the booster dose be offered at least five calendar months after completion of the primary series. Immune-compromised children are already eligible for a three-dose primary series, so their boosters will be fourth doses.

“Parents and guardians can soon book an appointment for their children just in time for the start of the new school year. Within days, we will begin offering booster doses and help provide ongoing protection from COVID-19, especially as our kids return to the classroom.” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health

Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek reliable and factual information to inform their decision on the vaccine and discuss the risks and benefits with their health-care provider before getting their children immunized.