Health Canada has authorized the use of an updated Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 for all Canadians over the age of six months. Empty Moderna vaccine vials are shown before a COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru clinic at Richardson stadium in Kingston, Ont., on Friday, Jul. 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg
OTTAWA – Health Canada has authorized the use of an updated Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 for all Canadians over the age of six months.
The new vaccine targets the XBB.1.5 variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The decision, posted on the Health Canada website this morning, says the vaccine can be given in a single dose to everyone five and older.
For children between six months and four years of age, one dose is recommended for those previously vaccinated against COVID-19.
For children in that age group who have not been vaccinated, two doses is recommended.
When Moderna submitted a request for approval for the vaccine in June the company said it anticipated having supplies available for Canada in the fall.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2023.
