In a statement Wednesday, NACI said the jurisdiction should plan to offer boosters to individuals at increased risk of serious illness from COVID, regardless of the number of booster doses they have previously taken.
He says this should include people aged 65 and over, residents of long-term care or living facilities and people aged 12 and over with an underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk for serious COVID-19.
The recommendation also includes adults in indigenous, racial and marginalized communities where the infection can have disproportionate consequences, as well as places for migrant workers, shelters, penitentiaries and group homes.
NACI also recommends that souvenirs be offered to all other people aged 12 to 64, regardless of the number of booster doses they have previously taken.
He says he will provide recommendations on the type of COVID-19 vaccine that will be offered for this booster dose, as data on suitable vaccines will be available.
“COVID-19 cases, including related illnesses and deaths, are currently declining in Canada. However, the likelihood, timing and severity of a future COVID-19 wave are uncertain,” NACI said in a statement.
“It is possible that according to other respiratory viruses, the incidence of COVID-19 will increase in the later periods of autumn and winter, thus endangering individuals / communities and increasing pressure on health systems.”
This Canadian Press report was first published on June 29, 2022
