As expected, Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

The mRNA vaccine will still be administered with two shots at least eight weeks apart, but will be about 1/3 the dose given to those 12 and over.

The Federal Government and Health Canada are expected to provide more details, including how vaccines will be distributed, later on Friday.

Canada has already ordered 2.9-million doses from Pfizer-BioNTech.

A clinical trial done by Pfizer showed an efficacy rating of about 91 percent in children 5-11.

In a news release Health Canada indicated that the “benefits outweigh the risks”.

Details about the Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11 and those 12 and older can be read on Health Canada’s website.

(1/9) The NACI recommends two 10 mcg doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty #CovidVaccine may be offered to children 5-11 years of age, with at least 8 weeks between the first and second dose. Read the summary of NACI’s recommendations: https://t.co/W9RHyOe4RJ pic.twitter.com/y50P5qtLb7

— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) November 19, 2021

A full submission for approval was sent to Health Canada on October 18.

As of Friday about 78 percent of Canadians have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.