Waterloo region to hold immunization clinic for children once COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids

The Waterloo region will hold a children's vaccination clinic that could administer up to 6,000 doses in one weekend once Health Canada approves Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for kids between 5 and 11.

"Our intent is to get as many children their first dose as quickly as possible in a supportive, positive environment," saidVickie Murray, Waterloo region's vaccination task force lead.

The date of the clinic will be confirmed once the region hears back about the final approval of the children's COVID-19 vaccine, according to health officials.It will be held at thePinebush Vaccine Clinicin Cambridge.

Health Canada's chief medical adviser said on Friday that Canada's review of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of fiveto 11 should be completed within "one to two weeks."

Addressing parents' concerns

Officials said they were encouraged by resultsfrom the United States, which has already approved the Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children.

While children aged 12 and older are already approved for the adult formulation, the pediatric formulation would be given in two smaller doses 10 mcg (micrograms), instead of the 30 mcg used for those over the age of 12.

Kelly Grindrod, aprofessor at Universityof Waterloo school of pharmacy, said it's too early to say how far apart the doses will be administered to children.

She said the school of pharmacyhas information sheets available for parents seeking additional information.

"I have a nine-year-old, we are going to be front of line if we can, to get her vaccinated," she said. "There's a lot of parents that are really interested."