Canadians under the age of 12 may soon be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Pfizer-BioNTech is seeking authorization to use its vaccine, known as Comirnaty, in children aged five to 11.
Health Canada said Monday that this is the first submission it has received to use a COVID-19 vaccine in this younger age group.
“As with all COVID-19 vaccines, the Department will prioritize the review of this submission, while maintaining its high scientific standards for safety, efficacy and quality,” Health Canada said in a statement.
The health agency will now undertake an independent and thorough scientific review of the data submitted by Pfizer-BioNTech.
Its assessment will include a detailed review of clinical trial results, along with other data about the health impacts of COVID-19 on children in Canada.
“Health Canada will only authorize the use of Comirnaty if the independent and thorough scientific review of all the data included in the submission showed that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the potential risks in this age group,” the agency said in the statement.
No timeline has been given for how long the review may take.
Health Canada has received a submission from Pfizer-BioNTech to authorize the use of its Comirnaty #CovidVaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. https://t.co/ybsVklSopr #COVID19
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) October 18, 2021
