Provinces and Territories Begin Rolling Out Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
Across Canada, provinces and territories are starting vaccination campaigns with updated COVID-19 shots.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says these vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. They can also reduce the risk of long COVID. The rollout comes as more people with COVID-19 symptoms are showing up in emergency and urgent care. For the week ending Sept. 20, about 10 per cent of COVID-19 tests were positive, slightly higher than the previous week’s 9.6 per cent.
Which vaccines are available?
Health Canada has approved new mRNA vaccines this fall. Moderna’s shot is available for people six months and older, while Pfizer-BioNTech’s is approved for those five and up. Doctors say both work the same way.
Who should get vaccinated?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the shot for:
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All adults 65 and older.
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People six months and older who are at higher risk, including:
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Residents of long-term care or group homes.
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People with medical conditions that raise their risk.
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Pregnant people.
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Members of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
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Health-care workers and caregivers.
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Members of racialized and other underserved communities.
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Anyone six months and older who isn’t high-risk can still get the vaccine if they want added protection.
When can you get it?
Ontario has already started vaccinating priority groups like long-term care residents, and other provinces will follow in the coming weeks.
What’s new this year?
The updated vaccines target LP.8.1, a newer version of the Omicron variant. According to experts, this dose provides stronger protection by boosting antibody levels about four times higher than not getting the shot.
Cost of the vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are free for most Canadians. The exceptions are Alberta, where people outside high-risk groups pay $100, and Quebec, where the fee ranges from $150 to $180.
Where to get vaccinated
COVID shots are available at pharmacies, public health clinics, and some family doctors’ offices. Each province and territory is updating its websites with details.
