Health Canada authorizes first bivalent COVID-19 booster for adults 18 years and older
September 1, 2022
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect families, communities and ourselves against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. As the fall approaches, with more people gathering inside and greater potential for transmission of COVID-19, it’s important to encourage Canadians to stay up-to date with their vaccinations and get boosted if they can!
Today, Health Canada authorized an adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine (known as a “bivalent” vaccine) targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant, and is authorized for use as a booster dose in individuals 18 years of age or older. NACI also recommends that adolescents, from 12 to 17 years of age, who are immunocompromised, and who have risk factors that place them at high risk of severe outcomes, may be offered an off-label use of this bivalent vaccine, and that they should consult a health professional.
This is the first bivalent COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada and marks a milestone in Canada’s response to COVID-19.
