November 19, 2021 (Ottawa) — HealthCareCAN and Children’s Healthcare Canada applaud the news today that Health Canada and NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) have approved and made recommendations for use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children between the ages of five and 11 in Canada.
“The incidence of COVID-19 is now highest among children so the approval of a vaccine for use with five- to 11-year-olds is extremely welcome news,” said Paul-֥Émile Cloutier, HealthCareCAN President and CEO. “But we cannot afford to lose any more time in getting shots into arms because case counts are rising dramatically and continue to be a threat to Canada’s healthcare system and the health of Canadians generally.”
Mr. Cloutier noted with Nov. 20 also being National Child Day it would be very timely for all governments across Canada to communicate how they intend to ensure full vaccination of all eligible children as soon as possible.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Healthcare Canada has been sounding warning bells about the direct and indirect impacts the pandemic has been having on children and families. Millions of children and youth have experienced extended school closures, delays in access to essential social, community and healthcare services, and physical separation from friends and family.
Deferred or delayed access to child development services, mental healthcare, surgical and other diagnostic services can have devastating and long-term impacts on children’s health outcomes. Of particular concern, children’s hospitals across the country are reporting significant increases in visits and admissions related to anxiety, depression and eating disorders among children and youth.
“National Child Day is a day to reflect on what we need to do differently as a country, to give Canada’s eight million children and youth their best chance for a healthy future. A foremost priority at this time is enabling access to a safe and approved vaccine for eligible children, especially those at increased risk of infection,” said Emily Gruenwoldt, Children’s Healthcare Canada President and CEO. “
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare.
Children’s Healthcare Canada is a national association representing health service delivery organizations serving children and youth. We unite strategic partners to advance excellence and innovation in health systems serving kids.
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Media contact: Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services
ARowe@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221 │ Cell: 613-220-1023
