You may have heard in the news that young children aged 6 months to 4 years will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine soon. Here’s what parents and guardians need to know.
The vaccine is not available yet, but will be in August
Register your child now while you wait.
The Moderna vaccine was approved for young children
Health Canada has approved the Moderna mRNA vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years. mRNA vaccines are the best choice for young children because they provide the most effective protection against COVID-19. All COVID-19 vaccines for both adults and children follow the same review and approval process.
Young children will get a smaller dose of the vaccine
The Moderna mRNA vaccine for young children uses a dose one quarter the size of the dose used for youth and adults. Vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the COVID-19 virus.
They'll need two doses
To complete the initial series of the Moderna vaccine, young children will need two doses. The second dose will be offered about eight weeks after the first dose.
You will get an invitation by text or email to book your child’s second dose appointment.
If your child has had COVID-19 already, they should still be vaccinated
If your young child already had COVID-19 and recovered, they should still get vaccinated. The vaccine helps maintain protection from serious illness. Your child can get the vaccine eight weeks after their symptoms started, or after they tested positive for COVID-19.
More information:
- Province of BC: gov.bc.ca/under5vaccines
- BCCDC: Children and COVID-19 vaccination
- ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 vaccine information for children age 6 months to 4 years
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