The National Immunization Advisory Committee recommends booster vaccines this fall ahead of a possible future wave of COVID-19 in Canada.
In a statement Wednesday, NACI said jurisdictions should plan to offer boosters to people who are at increased risk of severe COVID, regardless of the number of booster doses they have received before.
It says that this should include people aged 65 and over, residents of long-term care or housing and people aged 12 and over with a basic medical condition that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19.
The recommendation also includes adults in local, racial and marginalized communities, where the infection can have disproportionate consequences, as well as housing for migrant workers, shelters, correctional facilities and group homes.
NACI also recommends that boosters be offered to all others between the ages of 12 and 64, regardless of the number of booster doses they have received before.
It states that it will provide recommendations on the type of COVID-19 vaccine that will be offered for this booster dose when evidence of appropriate vaccines becomes available.
“COVID-19 cases, including related hospitalizations and deaths, are currently declining in Canada. However, the probability, time and severity of a future wave of COVID-19 are uncertain, “the NACI said in a statement.
“It is possible, in line with other respiratory viruses, that the incidence of COVID-19 will increase in the later autumn and winter seasons, thus posing a risk to individuals / communities and increasing pressure on health systems.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 29, 2022
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