The decision to give the green light to the first COVID-19 vaccine for young Canadian children is being hailed as a ”major milestone” in the fight against the virus.

”Overall this is very good news for adults and children alike,” said Health Canada’s Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Supriya Sharma.

”It provides another tool to protect Canadians and to the relief of many parents, will help bring back a degree of normality to children’s lives allowing them to more safely do the things that they have missed the last 20 months.” 

The approval clears the way for the delivery of just under 3-million child-size doses; enough for a first dose for every Canadian in the 5-11 age group.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends two doses at least eight weeks apart.

Provinces are ready to rollout the vaccine as soon as supplies arrive, with Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott saying the provincial booking system should be ready early next week for parents to make appointments.