although children typically don’t get seriously ill from covid-19, it can happen — in canada, 13 people under the age of 19 have died, and roughly 1,400 were hospitalized — and the seemingly healthy can spread the disease to the unprotected.
given the rise of more transmissible variants, and the fact young people tend to circulate, dr. nima machouf said she recommends getting a second dose as soon as possible.
“yes, each timeline has its own advantages, depending on the situation,” said machouf, an epidemiologist and professor at the université de montréal’s school of public health. “if you wait longer between doses, the strength and longevity of the immunization might be slightly stronger, but even after three weeks the immunity will still be very good.
“it’s a population that moves about and has a lot of contact. if we want to reduce transmission, they must be vaccinated as soon as possible.”
so far, 71 per cent of 12-17 year olds have received a first dose. in quebec as a whole, 82 per cent of the total eligible population have received a first dose, and 35 per cent are considered adequately vaccinated.
a preliminary study out of israel found 12-15 year olds were 100 per cent covered after one pfizer dose, three weeks after their vaccination. but the authors cautioned a second dose was advised for those at risk of a serious infection or who wished to travel.