Vaccines are essential to help end the pandemic. It's important for everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when it's their turn. Vaccines help lower your child's risk of infection. They work with the body's natural defenses to develop protection against a disease. Being vaccinated will prevent the disease or lessen its impact. Health Canada has authorized the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for youth aged 12 and older. People aged 12 to 17 may receive the same 2-dose schedule recommended for adults.