Health Canada approves Pfizer's new COVID-19 vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant. The authorization covers individuals aged six months and older.

For those aged five and older, it is authorized as a one-dose vaccine, irrespective of their prior COVID-19 vaccination status. Infants and children between six months and less than five years old, who haven't completed a primary COVID-19 series, should receive three doses, while those who have completed a primary series should receive one dose.

Health Canada previously authorized Moderna's vaccine for the same subvariant, and they are currently reviewing a submission from Novavax for individuals 12 and older.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is expected to provide guidance on the rollout of these vaccines in the coming months.

Health Canada assures an adequate supply of these mRNA vaccines in Canada by fall 2023 and emphasizes the effectiveness of approved vaccines in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.