Laura Osman, The Canadian Press Published on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 09:25 EDT Last Updated on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 09:25 EDT
The Canadian Drug Regulator approved Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for preschool infants and children, making it the first vaccine approved for this age group in the country.
Health Canada now says the Modern vaccine can be given to young children between six months and five years in doses of a quarter of the size approved for adults.
The National Immunization Advisory Committee is expected to provide advice on its use later today.
Approval extends eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to nearly two million children in Canada, although vaccine availability will be determined by the provinces.
The vaccine requires two doses given about four weeks apart.
Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for young children between six months and five years old was sent to Health Canada last month and is still under review.