Ampoules of the Nuvaxovid vaccine against COVID-19 are seen in 2022. Health Canada has approved an updated version of the vaccine for fall 2024 immunization campaigns. ( Carsten Koall/Getty)
Health Canada announced on Thursday that it has approved Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, for individuals aged 12 and older. This protein-based vaccine has been modified to target the JN.1 variant, which is currently the predominant strain in Canada. This variant contributed to a significant surge in infections worldwide starting in November 2021.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly advises that high-risk groups receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. These groups include:
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Residents of long-term care and similar facilities
- Individuals with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness
- Members of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities
- People from racialized and other marginalized communities
- Pregnant individuals
- Essential service providers
NACI also recommends that anyone aged six months and older should consider getting vaccinated.
Health experts stress the importance of updated vaccines due to the virus's ongoing mutations, which help it evade our immune responses and enhance its ability to infect cells.
Currently, Canada’s contract with Novavax only covers vaccines made within the country, but there is uncertainty about their availability for the 2024-25 season, according to a federal spokesperson. "Provinces and territories may opt to source vaccines directly from Novavax for their fall campaigns," the spokesperson noted, adding that demand for Novavax's vaccine has been low in recent years.
In addition, Health Canada has recently approved Moderna's updated mRNA vaccine for the upcoming immunization campaigns. A decision regarding Pfizer's updated mRNA vaccine is expected in the coming weeks.
