Health Canada announced Tuesday that it is authorizing the use of an updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for all Canadians over the age of six months, at a time when federal public health recommended Canadians roll up their sleeves and to return to get vaccinated.
This new vaccine targets the XBB.1.5 variant of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
The decision, published Tuesday morning on the Health Canada website, indicates that the vaccine can be administered in a single dose to anyone aged five and over.
For children aged six months to four years, one dose is recommended for those who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who have not already been vaccinated should receive two doses.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that Canadians receive a new dose of COVID-19 vaccine this fall six months after their last dose or a COVID-19 infection.
Vaccination is “especially important” for those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, public health officials insisted during a technical briefing for media.
The groups in question are people aged 65 and over, people with underlying illnesses, pregnant women and people who live or work in congregate living settings.
Immunity wanes over time, explained Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer.
And vaccination and personal protective measures are all the more important “as we approach colder months when people spend more time indoors and the risk of respiratory illnesses increases,” said Dr. Howard Njoo, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
COVID-19 vaccinations will likely begin in early October, but this will vary from province to province. Dr. Njoo avoided a question about whether he believes COVID-19 vaccines should be free.
When Moderna submitted its application for approval of the vaccine in June, the pharmaceutical company said it expected to have supplies available for Canada this fall.
Federal public health also recommends getting vaccinated against the flu at the same time. And this is safe, we specify.
Although COVID-19 indicators have reached “historically low levels” for several months since the start of the year, they have started to rise again in recent weeks, but remain at a “low to moderate” level.
The five doctors who appeared before journalists all wore masks. Asked if this is also a recommendation, Dr. Njoo explained that it is at the discretion of each person.
According to him, wearing a mask is “a good individual protection measure, it is effective”, and it is “important this year to use all available measures”, including to protect the most vulnerable people such as the elderly. and immunocompromised people.
“I think it’s time to take out your masks,” Dr. Tam later added.