Health Canada has authorized the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people six months and older.
The mRNA vaccine targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant that is circulating in Canada.
This is the second vaccine targeting XBB.1.5 that will be available in the country. Earlier this month, Health Canada authorized Moderna’s updated mRNA vaccine.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are single-dose for people ages five and older.
Three shots of the Pfizer vaccine are recommended for children aged six months to four years who have not received their first round of COVID-19 vaccines.
Health Canada says it is currently reviewing an updated vaccine from Novavax, which is not messenger RNA. The latter was submitted for review in people aged 12 and over.
—-
The Canadian Press’ health content receives funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.
To watch on video