Everyone born in 2009 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

The Government of Ontario recently announced that, as of Wednesday, August 18, 2021, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all youth born in 2009. Up until this point, a person needed to be 12 years old, not turning 12, to receive the vaccine. The change may have some people wondering how the decision to lower the minimum age was made.

First, it’s worth knowing that Alberta and British Columbia have been offering the Pfizer vaccine to all youth born in 2009 for several months. Ontario has been closely monitoring data from these provinces and found that there is no additional risk to this age group.

At the same time, there is evolving data to show that the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is much more contagious. In making the Pfizer vaccine available to everyone born in 2009 and earlier, the Province is taking action to increase protection of young children. The expanded eligibility to youth born in 2009 will ensure more students have the opportunity to receive the vaccine and ensure strong protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant as they return to school.

Moving into the 2021-22 school year, both students and parents are looking for a return to a more normal learning experience. The update in eligibility and greater vaccination coverage among youth will help to reduce disruptions from COVID-19 as we head into the fall.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and youth, please visit our page of COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Youth.

We also suggest kidshealthfirst.ca for more information. The content of this website has been verified by the Children’s COVID-19 Vaccine Table, a group of leading experts who provide advice and recommendations with a focus on children.