As thousands of Saskatchewan children receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, many parents are eager to book the second appointment.
However, despite different guidelines across the country, Saskatchewan doctors recommend that children wait a little longer between doses.
“As a parent and physician, we will plan to vaccinate our five-year-old son in the eight week interval, not earlier,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Alex Wong. “That first dose will provide reasonable protection after a couple of weeks with the robustness we expect from children’s immune responses.”
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that children wait at least eight weeks between doses, as studies suggest that a longer interval leads to a stronger and longer-lasting immune response.
However, Health Canada approved Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine in two doses 21 days apart.
Consistent with NACI’s stance, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) recommends that children wait at least eight weeks before receiving their second dose, but parents have the option of vaccinating their children after three weeks.
“The eight weeks supports the ability of the immune system, particularly in this age group, to work at its highest level of function and have the most protective effect against COVID-19,” said Laveena Tratch, chief of vaccines for the area of SHA Regina.
SHA’s reservation system is not yet set up for second doses, according to Tratch. He said parents should only have their children receive a double dose before eight weeks, if they receive approval from their GP.
The provincial governments of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario require at least an eight-week interval between pediatric doses. In Manitoba, officials recommend waiting eight weeks, but parents can reserve their child’s second dose at four weeks.
Wong said it can be difficult for the average person to interpret all of this information. He added that parents should listen to the advice of medical experts in health and family doctors.
“Don’t try to overthink some of these things,” Wong said. “We need to trust people who know what they are doing to make good public health decisions for us.”
‘Early adopters’ lead to high acceptance
As of Saturday, 31,698 children ages five to 11 have been vaccinated in Saskatchewan, since Nov. 24.
Tratch said she is satisfied with the high acceptance and smooth launch so far.
“This is very comparable to all of our other previous launches,” Tratch said, adding that there are no concerns that supply will not meet demand. “You are always the first adopters, those people who have been excited, waiting and really eager to get their vaccine.”
He said the health authority focuses on making children feel “empowered” when they receive the vaccine.
Children have the opportunity to write notes and draw pictures after the injection, which are then hung on the walls of the vaccine clinic.
“They recognize, between the ages of five and 11, that they have the power to make change,” Tratch said. “They have the power to make a difference in the trajectory of the (fourth wave).”
Children draw pictures and write messages after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (Courtesy: Saskatchewan Health Authority)
Reference-regina.ctvnews.ca