Provincial and territorial authorities are commencing the distribution of updated COVID-19 vaccines to safeguard individuals against the virus.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s vaccination guidelines, COVID vaccines have proven effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality. They also reduce the risk of post-COVID-19 conditions, including long COVID.
The vaccination initiative is being launched amidst an uptick in COVID-19 cases among individuals seeking emergency or urgent care for respiratory symptoms. The federal respiratory virus snapshot reports a rise in the positivity rate of tests, increasing from 9.6% to 10% for the week ending Sept. 20.
New mRNA vaccines have been authorized by Health Canada this autumn. Moderna’s vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and above, while Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine is approved for those aged five and older. Infectious disease experts view both vaccines as equally effective.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all adults aged 65 and over receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination status, due to their elevated risk. Additionally, the vaccine is advised for individuals aged six months and older who are:
– Residents of long-term care facilities and other communal settings.
– Living with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
– Pregnant.
– Members of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
– Healthcare workers and caregivers in healthcare facilities and community settings.
– Individuals from marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
The national advisory group states that individuals aged six months and above, even those not at high risk, can opt to receive an updated COVID vaccine if desired.
Ontario has initiated the distribution of COVID vaccines to priority groups such as residents of long-term care facilities, with other provinces and territories set to follow suit in the upcoming weeks.
This year’s updated vaccines include LP.8.1, which is derived from the Omicron variant. Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious diseases specialist at McGill University Health Centre, affirms that the updated vaccine is effective against prevailing strains and can significantly boost antibody levels.
Most Canadians can receive COVID vaccines at no cost, except for residents in Alberta and Quebec outside the high-risk categories, who may be charged $100 and $150 to $180, respectively.
COVID shots are available at pharmacies, public health clinics, and select family physicians’ offices. Provinces and territories are continually updating their vaccination rollout platforms.
