COVID-19 vaccine for children
Getting children 6 months to 17 years old vaccinated.
Why it’s important for children to get vaccinated
Children usually experience milder COVID-19 symptoms compared to adults but can spread the virus to others even if they don’t feel sick. There is a small percentage of children that develop long-lasting effects (such as prolonged cough, fatigue) or severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.
In rare cases, children can develop multi-system inflammatory syndrome which can include complications such as cardiac abnormalities, kidney injury and neurological complications.
Other information
Select primary care providers and pharmacies in Peel are offering the vaccine for children 6 months to under 5 years. The child must be at least 6 months at the time of vaccination.
Westwood Square Mall and Meadowvale Peel Public Health clinics are offering the vaccine for children 2 years to under 5 years. The child must be at least 2 years at the time of vaccination.
Parents or caregivers will have to provide consent on behalf of the child before or at the time of the appointment.
To receive the vaccine your child cannot have any COVID-like symptoms at the time of their appointment.
Children can get the COVID-19 vaccine at clinics, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. Find location details and how to book an appointment.
Recommended time between doses
In Ontario, the recommended time between the first and second dose of the vaccine is at least 8 weeks. Children 5 to 17 years can get a booster dose if it has been at least 6 months since the last dose or last confirmed COVID-19 infection. Refer to more information about vaccine doses and eligibility.
If your child has recently had COVID-19, they will need to wait before getting the vaccine. Access vaccination after having COVID-19 for details.
Providing consent
Children 12 years or older can give informed consent provided they understand the treatment, why it is being recommended, and the risks and benefits of accepting or refusing to be vaccinated.
Children 5 to 11 years old require consent from a parent or legal guardian. They should come to their appointment with a parent, legal guardian, or substitute decision maker.
The Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) and the Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines have been authorized for use in children 6 months and older. The Ministry of Health recommends that individuals between the ages of 12 and 29 receive the Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine for their primary series (first and second doses). Both vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tromethamine. Talk to your doctor if you think you or your children may be allergic to these ingredients.
Health Canada provides details about COVID-19 doses for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Refer to COVID-19 vaccines for children.
Uncommon vaccine side effects
Current evidence shows some rare side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. In Canada, there have been rare reports among individuals 12 years or older, of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) following vaccination. In Ontario, it’s recommended that individuals between the ages of 5 and 29 receive the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine.
If your child has previously been diagnosed with myocarditis, talk to your child’s doctor about them receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. You will need to get a letter from your child’s health care provider indicating that you have discussed the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated, and that vaccination is recommended. You or your child must show a copy of this letter before they get vaccinated.
