What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5

In July, Health Canada approved the Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID-19 vaccine formulated for children between the ages of six months and 5 years old. Vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the COVID-19 virus.

Vaccination helps children and families get back to many important activities that positively benefit children’s physical and mental health. The vaccine also reduces the risk of transmission to children’s close contacts, who may be at higher risk of severe illness. 

All public health vaccine clinics will have these vaccines available, and the clinics will be child friendly. Vaccines for children six months to 5 years are not available in local pharmacies.

Register your child now in the Get Vaccinated system, just as you registered yourself or your older children. You’ll then be invited to book a vaccine appointment at your local community clinic. Walk-in appointments are not available. If your child is younger than six months, you can register them now too – when they become eligible for the vaccine, you’ll be invited to book their appointment.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and specifically tailored for children. Health Canada conducts a rigorous review of all vaccines before making its determination, and we can be confident they have done their due diligence with this vaccine too. Information about the COVID vaccine for children can be found on Health Canada’s website.

The Moderna mRNA vaccine for young children uses a dose one quarter the size of the dose used for youth and adults. To complete the initial series of vaccinations, young children will need two doses, with the second dose offered about eight weeks after the first dose.

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.

Learn more about COVID-19 Children Under 12 Vaccines