National vaccine advisory panel recommends Pfizer shot for anyone 12 and up: Tam – CBC

Health Canada previously authorized use of vaccine for those 12 to 15 in early May

May 18, 2021

Canada’s national vaccine advisory panel is now recommending Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for anyone aged 12 and up, according to the country’s chief public health officer, backing up recent provincial efforts to start vaccinating younger Canadians.

Dr. Theresa Tam made the announcement during an update Tuesday from federal officials, noting that the National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) now recommends a standard two-dose vaccination schedule of the Pfizer shot for any eligible Canadians between 12 and 18, following an earlier Health Canada authorization for younger teens.

Even before NACI’s stamp of approval, various provinces began opening up vaccination appointments to younger teens.

Last week, bookings in Manitoba hit a record high as the province opened up eligibility to anyone aged 12 and up, Ontario plans to open up vaccinations to youth under 18 by the end of the month, while other regions including Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are aiming to vaccinate teens before the current school year ends.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-vaccine-12-naci-time-1.6031090