Health Canada has approved Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine. (Credit: The Canadian Press/AP-HO, Moderna)
Health Canada has approved Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine, which is designed to protect against the latest variants of the virus. The newly reformulated mRNA vaccine, known as Spikevax, now targets the KP.2 subvariant of Omicron, replacing last year's version that focused on the XBB.1.5 strain.
In preparation for the fall respiratory virus season, Health Canada has instructed provinces and territories to discard older COVID-19 vaccines to ensure the most up-to-date version is used.
While Moderna's vaccine has already been given the green light, Health Canada is still reviewing two other updated vaccines: Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, Comirnaty, and Novavax's protein-based option.
Moderna announced that its updated vaccine is approved for individuals aged six months and older. The company has begun coordinating deliveries with the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure doses are ready for upcoming provincial and territorial vaccination campaigns.
Back in May, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended the use of updated vaccines, particularly for those at higher risk of severe illness. These groups include adults over 65, individuals in long-term care, people with underlying health conditions, Indigenous and racialized communities, and essential workers, including those who are pregnant.
NACI also stated that all adults and children six months or older should be eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall, once approvals are finalized.
