With summer officially commencing in Canada this week, travel, weddings, BBQs, and other social events are back on the calendar. But as we navigate this new normal, you may be wondering if getting a COVID-19 booster should be part of your summer holiday plans. Experts who have spoken to Global News recommend considering it.
After more than three years of dealing with COVID-19, new cases have declined or leveled off in Canada. However, vaccine uptake has also slowed. While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in May that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, they still emphasize that the virus remains a threat. Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious disease physician, points out that while Canada is in a better place today, COVID-19 is still a significant cause of hospitalizations and deaths.
As the summer vacation season begins, it’s an excellent opportunity for Canadians to update their vaccine protection, especially if they plan on traveling, as exposure to other people is higher in these situations. Dr. McGeer states that getting a COVID booster is a good idea to avoid spending precious vacation time feeling ill in a hospital.
While more than 80% of Canadians have received their primary vaccine series, the uptake for boosters remains relatively low. According to government data from May, only about 13% of Canadians have completed their primary series or received a booster dose in the last six months. Dr. Samuel Gutman, an ER doctor, acknowledges the fatigue people feel regarding COVID-19 but highlights the importance of considering vaccination due to ongoing risks.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in Canada recommends getting a booster dose six months after completing the primary series or recovering from a COVID infection, for individuals aged five and above. However, currently, NACI has only recommended boosters for those at higher risk of severe illness, such as seniors, long-term care residents, and immunocompromised adults. Boosters are suggested because immunity wanes over time.
Dr. McGeer suggests that while getting a booster may not be as critical as before, it still offers a significant level of protection. For young and healthy adults, a booster shot is like buying insurance, not only protecting themselves but also those who are older or immunocompromised that they come into contact with.
Regarding vaccine options, NACI recently provided guidance stating that the bivalent Omicron vaccine can be given to individuals aged six months and older who haven’t received their primary series. This vaccine was initially approved as a booster. NACI also mentioned that as regulatory submissions are reviewed by Health Canada, vaccine schedules and dosages may change for different age groups.
In the United States, scientific advisers to the FDA are recommending updates to COVID-19 vaccines to target the latest Omicron strains. The hope is that these updates will produce more diverse and cross-protective virus-fighting antibodies. The FDA is leaning towards a fall shot recipe that specifically targets XBB variants. Similarly, the World Health Organization and European regulators have made similar recommendations. Dr. McGeer explains that while the bivalent boosters from last year are still effective against current strains, a shift towards an XBB-containing booster in the fall will provide additional protection against the virus.
It is likely that Canada will implement another COVID booster campaign in the fall, given the resurgence of respiratory viruses during that time. However, the specific vaccines to be used have yet to be determined. Dr. McGeer emphasizes the need to decide on the booster at the last possible moment, as it takes approximately three months to manufacture and distribute vaccines.
If you are interested in getting a COVID-19 booster in Canada, appointments can be booked through local pharmacies and some family doctors.
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