Provinces and territories have begun distributing new vaccines to safeguard the population against COVID-19. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s vaccination guide, COVID vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, as well as reducing the risk of post-COVID conditions like long COVID.
The vaccination drive coincides with a rise in COVID-19 cases among individuals seeking emergency or urgent care for respiratory symptoms. The federal respiratory virus snapshot indicates a 10% positivity rate in tests for the week ending Sept. 20, up from 9.6% the previous week.
Recently, Health Canada 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 experts view both vaccines as equally effective.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all adults aged 65 and above, regardless of prior vaccination history, should receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to their heightened vulnerability. Additionally, individuals aged six months and older who fall into specific categories, such as residents of long-term care facilities, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis communities, healthcare workers, and members of marginalized communities, are encouraged to get vaccinated.
People aged six months and older who are not in high-risk groups can also opt to receive the updated COVID vaccine. Priority groups in Ontario are already receiving vaccinations, with other provinces and territories set to follow suit in the upcoming weeks.
The latest vaccines contain LP.8.1, a derivative of the Omicron variant, and have been designed to combat current circulating strains effectively. Dr. Donald Vinh from McGill University Health Centre stated that individuals receiving the updated LP8.1 dose may experience a significant increase in antibody levels, offering enhanced protection against severe outcomes.
Most Canadians will receive the COVID vaccine at no cost, except for residents in Alberta and Quebec who do not meet the provinces’ high-risk criteria and may be charged $100 and $150 to $180, respectively.
COVID shots are available at pharmacies, public health clinics, and some family physicians’ offices. Provinces and territories are updating their vaccination rollout information on their respective websites.
