Health Canada approves booster for Omicron BA.4/5 variants
by CM Staff
Health Canada maintains that vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect families and communities against COVID-19.
OTTAWA — Health Canada authorized an adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants.
It is authorized for use as a booster dose in individuals 18 years of age or older.
Health Canada says that a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence determined that the bivalent Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective.
Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.4/BA.5) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strains.
This adapted vaccine has a similar safety profile to the previously approved Moderna Spikevax boosters, with the same mild adverse reactions that resolved quickly.
Health Canada maintains that vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect families and communities against COVID-19.
Evidence indicates that the vaccines used in Canada are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The department also suggests that keeping COVID-19 vaccinations up-to-date, including getting booster doses as recommended, will help protect an individual against serious illness and other complications of COVID-19 infection.
Health Canada has placed terms and conditions on the authorization requiring Moderna to continue providing information to Health Canada on the safety and efficacy of the bivalent vaccine. This will provide the department with more data from ongoing studies and real-world use to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh any risks, as well as to detect any potential new safety signals.
