The Northwestern Health Unit believes it may be in a position to roll out COVID vaccines for kids by the end of November or early December.
Pfizer is seeking authorization from Health Canada to use its vaccine for children 5-11 years old.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the exact timeline for approval isn’t known at this time.
“Once a pharmaceutical company applies to Health Canada to get a vaccine approved, I think that takes a period of weeks or it could be months sometimes, but I think it depends on the amount of information provided to them.”
Dr. Young Hoon adds, “After Health Canada reviews that information and approves it, than it’s usually reviewed by the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations. They review all the evidence and provide recommendations on the use of the vaccine. That again takes usually takes a period of weeks.”
She notes their local rollout plan still has not been finalized and approved.
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott says the province is actively working on a distribution plan but stresses they will be ready to act right away.
