Parents can book second vaccine for children 5 to 11 at a shorter interval, Ottawa Public Health says
Ottawa's top doctor says parents can move up their child's second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as the Omicron variant spreads and students prepare to return to school for in-person learning.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended children between the ages of 5 and 11 receive the second dose eight weeks after the first dose.
Medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches says while the NACI recommendation points to evidence showing that an eight-week interval produces a "stronger and longer-lasting immune response," parents can move up the dose to as early as 21 days after the first.
"A shorter interval of no less than 21 days has been shown to be safe and effective. So parents who wish to book their child at a shorter interval have the option to do so," said Etches, noting parents must provide "informed consent" to move up the second dose.
Health Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age in November with a three-week interval between doses.
Parents and guardians can call the provincial booking line at 1-833-943-3900 to book a second dose appointment, or drop-in to an Ottawa Public Health community clinic.
Etches says Ottawa Public Health is working to increase vaccination rates among students, teachers and school staff, including school-based immunization clinics once schools reopen.
As of Wednesday, 64 per cent of Ottawa children aged 5 to 11 had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while eight per cent had received two doses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.