Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine now available for children aged five to 11

The province says those who have already received a booster with the original Pfizer vaccine are expected to be well protected

CityNews Halifax Staff

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Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine is now available in Nova Scotia for children between the ages of five and 11.

Bivalent vaccines offer protection against both the Omicron and original strains of COVID-19 and this is the only one currently authorized in Canada as a booster dose for this age group.

If the child has recently had COVID or completed their primary series of doses, they should wait 168 days before getting the booster.

However, those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should only wait 120 days.

“At this time, only a single booster dose is recommended for children aged five to 11, and those who have already received a booster with the original Pfizer vaccine are expected to be well protected,” the province said in a news release.

“However, parents of children who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease may choose to speak with their healthcare provider about their child receiving a bivalent booster dose once the recommended interval has passed since their first booster. “

In addition, bivalent vaccines will now be the only option for booster doses for all Nova Scotians aged five and up.

Appointments can be booked online or by calling 1-833-797-7772 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.