Health Canada said Tuesday it has approved Moderna’s new vaccine, which is specifically designed to protect against the KP.2 strain of COVID-19 currently in circulation.
Published at 11:55 a.m.
“Health Canada’s authorization of our updated COVID-19 vaccine provides Canadians with timely access to the latest vaccines, helping them stay protected during the fall and winter months ahead,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s chief executive officer, in a statement.
This new mRNA vaccine, SPIKEVAX® for the KP.2 variant, should be made available shortly. Those who wish to receive it will then be able to make an appointment on Clic Santé to receive it.
It is recommended for people at risk to get vaccinated, including seniors, pregnant people, and people who are immunocompromised or living with a chronic disease. Although the benefits are less for them, non-targeted people aged 6 months and older can also receive the dose free of charge if they request it.
People who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19 must wait six months after their vaccine before receiving this new dose. It will eventually be possible to receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Since September 14, the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine had been temporarily suspended, pending the approval of a new vaccine, more effective against the KP.2 strain currently in circulation.
