By Canadian Press

Canada expected to finish review of first COVID-19 shot for youngest kids in weeks

Jun 17, 2022 | 9:45 AM

Federal officials say regulators should reach a decision about whether to approve Canada’s first COVID-19 vaccine for infants and preschoolers in coming weeks as the U.S. prepares to roll out tot-sized shots.

Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Howard Njoo told a news conference this morning that Health Canada continues to review Moderna’s application for a vaccine to protect children between six months and five years old.

Today, U.S. regulators authorized Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccines for the youngest kids, setting the stage for doses to be doled out next week.

Canada has yet to authorize a vaccine for kids under five, and Moderna’s shot is the only one that’s been submitted for regulatory review.

A Pfizer Canada spokeswoman says in an email that the company is making progress on its submission, but couldn’t provide a timeline on when it would be filed.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

15h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

21h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Moderna’s vaccine is two shots, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart for kids under six.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2022.

— With files from The Associated Press

Adina Bresge, The Canadian Press