'Long-lasting immune response': Why Sask. doctors recommend waiting eight weeks between pediatric COVID-19 vaccines
As thousands of Saskatchewan kids receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, many parents are eager to book the second appointment.
However, despite varying guidelines across the country, Saskatchewan doctors are recommending children wait a little longer in between doses.
“As a parent and a physician, we will be planning to vaccinate our five-year-old at the eight-week interval, not earlier,” said infectious diseases specialist Dr. Alex Wong. “That first dose is going to provide reasonable protection after a couple of weeks with how robust we expect kids’ immune responses to be.”
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends children wait at least eight weeks between doses as studies suggest a longer interval leads to a more robust, long-lasting immune response.
However, Health Canada approved Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine for two doses at 21 days apart.
In line with NACI’s stance, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is recommending children wait at least eight weeks before receiving their second dose, but parents have the option to vaccinate their kids after three weeks.
“The eight weeks supports the ability for the immune system particularly in this age group to be working at its highest functioning level and having the most protective effect against the COVID-19,” Laveena Tratch, SHA Regina-area vaccine chief, said.
The SHA’s booking system is not set up for second doses yet, according to Tratch. She said parents should only get their kids double dosed prior to eight weeks, if they receive approval from their family physician.
Provincial governments in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario all require at least an eight-week interval between pediatric doses. In Manitoba, officials recommend waiting eight-weeks, but parents can book their child’s second dose as early as four weeks.
Wong said it can be hard for the average person to interpret all of this information. He added parents need to listen to the advice from medical health experts and family physicians.
“Don’t try to over think some of this stuff,” Wong said. “We need to rely on the people that know what they’re doing to make good decisions for us at a public health level.”
‘Early adopters’ lead to high uptake
As of Saturday, 31,698 kids ages five to 11 have been vaccinated in Saskatchewan, since Nov. 24.
Tratch said she is pleased with the high uptake and smooth rollout so far.
“This is very comparable to all our other earlier roll outs,” Tratch said, adding there are no concerns that supply won’t meet demand. “You always get those really early adopters, those people who have been excited, waiting and really anxious to get their vaccine.”
She said the health authority has a focus on making kids feel “empowered” when they get their vaccine.
Children have the opportunity to write notes and draw pictures after their shot, which are then hung up on the walls of the vaccine clinic.
“They recognize, at five to 11 years old, that they have the power to make change,” Tratch said. “They have power to make a difference in the trajectory of the (fourth wave).”
Kids draw pictures and write messages after getting their COVID-19 vaccine (Courtesy: Saskatchewan Health Authority)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.
Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are due to face court Tuesday over the killing that triggered a major diplomatic rift with India.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.