(Ottawa) The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is stepping up its position on the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines and now “strongly” recommends that adults aged 18-49 receive a booster dose reminder.
Posted at 12:40 p.m.
In a press release sent on Tuesday, the group explains that it took into account additional data on the duration of the protection of the first two doses, the safety and the real effectiveness of a booster dose and the evolution of the epidemiological situation in country.
Consequently, he believes that a first booster dose “should” be offered to all adults aged 18 to 49 at least six months after the administration of a second dose.
Adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are likely to be at high risk of severe consequences from COVID-19, including those who are immunocompromised, as well as those who reside in congregate living environments, who are part of “racialized” communities or marginalized” affected “disproportionately” by the virus are the subject of the same recommendation.
NACI believes that a booster dose is recommended, but not strongly, for other adolescents.
In December, the NACI had strongly recommended the booster dose for those aged 50 and over.
At this time, only Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines are approved for a first booster dose in ages 18 and older.