Pfizer vaccine bookings open for children over six months

Parents and guardians in Nova Scotia can now book Pfizer's infant COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to four years.

The Department of Health recently opened bookings for the Pfizer brand infant vaccine and said young children will need three doses of the vaccine at least eight weeks apart to complete their primary series.

Moderna's infant COVID19 vaccine, which has been available for a few months, only requires two doses at least eight weeks apart.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said there is no substantial difference between the two vaccines other than the number of doses in the primary series.

"If your child hasn't yet been vaccinated, there are plenty of appointments for both infant vaccines across the province," said Strang in a news release. "Your child should receive the same vaccine to complete their primary series."

Children are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their last dose.

The primary series for moderately to severely immunocompromised children includes an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine - three doses in total for Moderna's and four for Pfizer's.

Public Health recommends these children receive the Moderna infant COVID-19 vaccine because they will be protected earlier with one less dose than Pfizer. However, moderately to severely immunocompromised children can receive either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Young children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and getting the Moderna infant COVID19 vaccine should wait at least four weeks between the first and second dose and eight weeks between the second and third dose.

Meanwhile, young children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and getting the Pfizer infant COVID-19 vaccine should wait at least four weeks between the first, second and third dose and eight weeks between the third and fourth dose.

The province estimates there are about 34,000 children aged six months to four years old in Nova Scotia.