Provinces and territories have begun distributing updated COVID-19 vaccines to safeguard individuals against the virus. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s immunization guide, these vaccines have proven effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, while also reducing the chances of developing post-COVID-19 conditions, such as long COVID.
The vaccination campaign coincides with a rise in COVID-19 cases among individuals seeking emergency or urgent care for respiratory symptoms. The federal respiratory virus snapshot revealed that the percentage of positive tests increased to 10% for the week ending Sept. 20, up from 9.6% the previous week.
Health Canada has recently approved the latest mRNA vaccines for use this fall. Moderna’s vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older, while Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine is recommended for those aged five and above. Infectious disease specialists view both vaccines as equally effective.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all adults aged 65 and above receive the COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of prior vaccination history, due to their heightened vulnerability. Additionally, the vaccine is advised for individuals aged six months and older who fall into the following categories:
– Residents of long-term care facilities and other communal settings.
– Individuals with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
– Pregnant individuals.
– People from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
– Healthcare workers and caregivers in various settings.
– Members of marginalized and equity-denied communities.
Moreover, the national advisory group states that individuals aged six months and above, including those not at high risk, can opt to receive the 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 coming weeks.
The latest vaccines incorporate LP.8.1, a derivative of the Omicron variant. Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious diseases expert at McGill University Health Centre, affirms that the updated vaccine is effective against current circulating strains and provides a fourfold increase in antibody levels for recipients.
Most Canadians can access COVID vaccines free of charge, with the exception of Alberta, where a fee of $100 is applicable, and Quebec, which charges between $150 to $180 for individuals not categorized as high-risk groups by the provinces.
COVID shots are available at pharmacies, public health clinics, and select family physicians’ offices, with provinces and territories updating their vaccination distribution websites accordingly.
