Health Canada is reviewing updated vaccines that target declining immunity and viral modifications.
Following the United States’ approval of two updated COVID vaccines to prevent hospitalizations and deaths, Health Canada informed CBC News that they will complete their review of the updated vaccines by “early autumn”.
New Omicron subvariants continue to emerge and cause illness, and COVID-19 fears the Paralympic Games in Paris, which begin on Wednesday due to outbreaks among Olympic athletes. Physicians and experts in public health advise individuals to think about including vaccination in their fall plans.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Mandy Cohen explained to reporters on August 22 why the updated vaccines are important, according to officials.
“While the COVID virus continues to mutate and change faster than the flu virus, our underlying immunity from prior vaccines and prior infections provides some protection,” Cohen stated. “But we know that protection decreases over time, and certain groups continue to be at higher risk from COVID and other viruses, and we need to continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
Professor of immunology Dawn Bowdish of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, noted that COVID activity typically peaks every three to six months, including this winter.
What variants are in the upcoming vaccine?
After being found in late 2021, the Omicron branch of the viral family tree began to spread quickly throughout the world. The names of the most recent Omicron strains that are in circulation in the US and Canada begin with KP.
Manufacturers of vaccines and authorities such as Health Canada are currently preparing to introduce the newest defense.
A spokeswoman stated on Tuesday that “Health Canada is reviewing submissions from Pfizer and Moderna for COVID-19 vaccines that target the KP.2 strain.” “We are also reviewing a submission from Novavax for a COVID-19 vaccine targeting the [earlier] JN.1 strain.”
It is intended to “complete the review process by early autumn,” according to the regulator, and the doses will follow a few days later.
Who should wait to receive an updated vaccine?
Some of Dr. Iris Gorfinkel’s patients in Toronto, who practices family medicine, have already inquired about receiving a fall vaccine dose.
“The most common question by far and away is, ‘Should I get my COVID vaccine now?'” stated Gorfinkel. Right now, since fall is quickly approaching, I advise them to hold off. Await the vaccine that is better matched; there’s a good chance it will lower the number of hospital admissions.”
She went on to say that while the shots aren’t anticipated to match circulating subvariants exactly, they should lower the number of hospital admissions.
Senior citizens frequently enquire about COVID vaccinations, according to Bowdish. “They are really feeling left behind at not having good information.”
Federal authorities claim that Canada has “secured sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines to meet provincial and territorial requirements for fall and winter 2024 vaccination campaigns.”
According to U.S. officials, anyone worried about maximizing protection over the winter holidays may want to consider getting vaccinated in the fall.
Who should get a jab right now?
Gorfinkel recommended that those 65 years of age and older, as well as those with underlying medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or lung disease, get a new dose of the vaccination sooner rather than later. That is consistent with the national advisory body of Canada’s recommendations regarding vaccines.
“Anyone who’s at high risk of hospitalization and who is more than six months out from a vaccine is probably better served by getting vaccinated, even if it’s an imperfect match right now,” Bowdish stated.
According to Ontario health officials, the existing vaccines available in Canada target XBB.1, an earlier subvariant of Omicron that was first reported in August 2022.
Why matching matters
Contrary to the influenza virus that causes the flu, COVID-19 has different seasons, including summer peaks.
According to health officials, the COVID-19 virus is not the only thing that is evolving; we are also becoming less immune to previous infections and immunizations.
That’s why updated vaccines are advised in order to have the best protection during the season.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s chief vaccine expert, Dr. Peter Marks, told reporters that “the only way you get long COVID is by having COVID.”
Shehzad Iqbal, country medical director of Moderna Canada, said the updated vaccines will have the same content in Canada and the U.S.
“With the new vaccine formulation coming for the fall, it’s much like recharging your batteries and your protection for the upcoming winter season,” Iqbal said.
