Should Canadians get a COVID booster now — or wait for the latest vaccine formulas to be approved? We asked an expert

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Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning after "new waves" of COVID-19 were reported in Europe, the western Pacific and the Americas. Amid global concern that COVID is making a "worrying comeback," many Canadians are wondering when they can expect updated vaccine formulas to target the active strains.

Across the border, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized new versions of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna. According to an Aug. 22 press release, the latest iterations have been formulated with the KP.2 FLiRT variants in mind. The vaccines include a formula “to more closely target currently circulating [COVID] variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID, including hospitalization and death.”

While the U.S. expects vaccines to become available within weeks, the updated formulas have not been approved by Health Canada but are currently under review.

"Health Canada will authorize the vaccines if, following a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, we determine that the vaccines meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards,” Health Canada spokesperson Nicholas Janveau told Global News via email.

Should Canadians wait for the latest COVID-19 vaccine formula?

Canadians currently have access to vaccine formulas that were approved in fall 2023 and target the Omicron XBB.1.5. Currently, the KP.3 FLiRT variant, a derivative of KP.1 and KP.2, is the most prevalent in Canada and the United States.

With the timing of the latest vaccine unclear, many Canadians are wondering if they should receive a booster or wait for the latest formula. Since existing vaccines and boosters aren't targeted to the latest FLiRT variants, Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious disease specialist at McGill University, tells Yahoo Canada, it's unclear whether getting a booster now would provide "some protection against current strains, but how well and for how long is not clear."

Based on previous vaccine roll-outs, Vinh says it's likely that new formulas might not be available to the public until October or November. Using this timeline, opting for a booster now may also prevent Canadians from receiving the latest vaccine as soon as it's released this fall.

What are the current COVID-19 vaccine guidelines in Canada?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a six-month interval between COVID vaccines, "with a minimum of three months from the last dose."

Back in May, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization published guidelines that strongly recommended a fall COVID shot for seniors, people with underlying medical conditions and anyone else in a higher-risk group. That includes pregnant people and those living in congregate living settings, like long-term care homes.

NACI added that anyone above 6 months of age who isn't considered high risk "may receive the most recently updated vaccine in the fall of 2024."

In the meantime, Vinh says people should try to avoid infection by avoiding packed or crowded spaces and wearing masks to protect themselves and others.

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