NACI recommends three COVID-19 shots for immunocompromised children

OTTAWA — The National Advisory Committee on Immunization now recommends immunocompromised kids between the ages of five and 11 be offered a third dose of an mRNA vaccine to protect them against COVID-19.

NACI says evidence shows that some moderately to severely immunocompromised people may have a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.

While there is no data on the safety or effectiveness of a third dose for children, NACI says studies have shown a better immune response in immunocompromised adults who get a third shot. 

NACI has also upgraded its initial advice that kids aged five to 11-year-old “may” get two doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. 

Now that more data is available on the safety and effectiveness of the first two doses of the vaccine, NACI now recommends kids “should” get the shots. 

NACI recommends a four to eight-week interval between doses, but says a longer interval will likely lead to longer-lasting protection.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2022.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press