Get the Facts for Kids

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine was approved by Health Canada on November 19, 2021 for children aged 5 to 11 years. A Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 booster dose was approved for children aged 5 to 11 years on August 19, 2022.
  •  The Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine was approved by Health Canada on July 14, 2022 for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine is the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years. For information on the vaccines, please see the Government of Canada’s website.

How does the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine work?

The vaccine causes our body to produce protection (such as antibodies) to help keep us from becoming sick if we are exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine uses a new method called messenger RNA (mRNA) to help our body make protection against the virus.

A smaller dose of the vaccine is used for children (10 micrograms) compared to adults (30 micrograms). In a study of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age, the 10 microgram dose has been shown to produce a good immune response and the vaccinated group of children was 91 per cent less likely to get sick with COVID-19 than the unvaccinated group.

How many doses of the vaccine are required to complete a primary series?

The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine consists of two doses given eight weeks apart. It is very important to get both doses of the vaccine.

What age groups are offered the vaccine?

Vaccine Product Age Recommendations
Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty 5 to 11 years
Moderna Spikevax 6 months and older

The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine is preferred for children aged 5 to 11 years.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Side effects can develop in the few days after receiving the vaccines. Although most side effects are not serious to your child’s health, they may make them feel unwell for a few days; they will go away on their own.  It is important to note that you cannot get COVID-19 infection from the vaccine. Some common and expected side effects include one or more of the following:

  • pain, redness or swelling where the needle was given
  • tiredness
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • chills
  • fever
  • diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting
  • swollen glands in the underarm

Rarely allergic reactions can occur after receiving a vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy),
  • swelling of your face, tongue or throat, or
  • difficulty breathing.

The clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction should it occur. Seek immediate medical care if your child develops any of these symptoms.

Inflammation of the heart or the lining on the outside of the heart (myocarditis/pericarditis) have rarely been reported after mRNA vaccines.

  • Most cases are mild and symptoms resolve quickly after seeking medical care. The risks of myocarditis/pericarditis from mRNA vaccines are higher:
    • after the second dose
    • within a week of vaccination
    • in adolescents and young adults (less than 30 years of age)
    • in males more than females
    • after Moderna compared to after Pfizer-BioNTech in adolescents and adults
  • The risk of myocarditis/pericarditis in children is unknown.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if your child develops any of the following:
    • chest pain
    • shortness of breath
    • fast or irregular heart beat

Rarely Bell’s palsy (weakened or inability to move the muscles of the face) has been reported after mRNA vaccines. Seek medical attention if your child experiences facial weakness or drooping or other symptoms involving the face.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

You should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you have:

  • a history of anaphylaxis after previous administration of any COVID-19 vaccine
  • an immediate or anaphylactic hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine. To view components in each COVID-19 vaccine, refer to the product monograph.

If you have a fever, are sick with COVID-19 symptoms you need to delay your vaccination. Once your symptoms subside you can proceed with getting vaccinated.

If you are currently experiencing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) or if it has been less than 90 days since your diagnosis, you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you had a diagnosis of myocarditis or pericarditis following the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, then the second dose should be deferred until more information is available or after consultation with a health care provider.

If you are under active care for myocarditis (unrelated to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination), you should consult your health care provider.

Consideration should be given to postponing immunization in persons with severe febrile illness or severe acute infection. People with moderate or severe acute illness should be vaccinated as soon as the acute illness has improved.

Should I talk to my health care provider before getting the vaccine?

If you are immunocompromised, have an autoimmune disorder, a bleeding disorder, use blood thinner medication, or have any other underlying medical condition you may also consult with your health care provider before getting vaccinated.

When should I return for my second dose?

Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will provide the best protection. The second dose should be booked at least eight weeks after the first dose.

I am moderately to severely immunocompromised, how many doses of COVID-19 vaccine should I receive?

These individuals should receive a three dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine (10 mcg). Visit the Get the Shot page for dosing recommendations.

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose?

A Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 booster dose was approved for children aged 5 to 11 years on August 19, 2022.

Children 5 years of age and older are eligible for a Fall booster with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regardless of the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses previously received. Individuals will be encouraged to receive their booster dose 20 weeks from their last vaccine dose and 3 months from COVID-19 infection. Fall booster vaccines can be given at the same time as other immunizations. This will include the seasonal flu vaccine, once it becomes available this fall.

Visit the Get the Shot page for more information and to book an appointment.