OTTAWA: Canada's drug regulator announced it has authorised Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Covid-19 vaccine for use as a booster dose in kids aged 5 to 11 years.

According to Health Canada, this booster provides a great option to restore protection for this age group, especially for those who are at high risk of severe illness.

In the meantime, on Friday, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published national recommendations for use.

A first booster dose of the 10 mcg vaccine should be given to children aged 5 to 11 who have an underlying medical condition that puts them at a high risk of developing serious illness from Covid-19, particularly children who are immunocompromised, at least six months after the end of a primary series.

In the setting of increased epidemiological risk, NACI advised the 10 mcg Comirnaty vaccine may be given as a first booster at least six months after the conclusion of a primary series for all other children in this age group.

In making its recommendations, National Advisory Committee said it reviewed the spread and severity of COVID-19 in this age group, protection from vaccination and infection as well as clinical trial data, which revealed that Pfizer’s booster dose was well tolerated in children aged 5 to 11 years.

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