Health Canada has approved Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting Omicron BA. 4/BA. 5 subvariants for use in adults.
The regulator said Thursday it has decided the newest Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective.
The current vaccine is a combination of two strains, also known as a “bivalent” injection. It includes the original vaccine formulations and coverage against the Omicron BA. 4 and BA. 5 subvariants.
“Clinical trial results have shown that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers an immune reaction opposite to Omicron (BA. 4/BA. 5) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strains,” Health Canada said. in one sentence.
The side effects were mild and similar to those of the last approved edition of the vaccine, according to Health Canada.
Doctors proposed that Canadians stay informed about their COVID-19 vaccines against serious illness and infection headaches.
Bivalent vaccines are expected to provide greater coverage compared to Omicron, which, according to Health Canada, is lately the most dominant strain of the virus circulating in the country and around the world.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease physician at the University of Alberta, says there is an improvement in coverage for serious consequences after receiving a third dose.
“I think it’s very important for other people to know that two doses are no longer enough,” Saxinger said in an interview. “People who haven’t received any reinforcement make it a very sensible priority. “
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, welcomed some other tool in the vaccine toolbox. “But other vaccines may be useless if other people don’t take them,” he said.
Bogoch said many other people are eligible for a retirement.
“I hope other people get those vaccines,” he said. But it’s especially vital for others who are at greater risk of serious infection. That’s precisely what we’re seeing in the hospital: other people over 60 and other people with medical situations that put them at greater threat. “
In September, Health Canada approved an earlier edition of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, the Omicron BA. 1 subvariant.
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the updated vaccine be available to adults who will receive a booster dose in the fall.
Journalist
Amina Zafar covers medical science and fitness, as well as COVID-19 and infectious diseases, for CBC News. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in journalism.
With Lauren Pelley of CBC
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