Health Canada approves Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine for fall
CBC
Health Canada said Thursday it has authorized Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 12 years and up.
The product, called Nuvaxovid, is a protein-based vaccine.
Health Canada said the vaccine was updated to target the JN.1 variant, an offshoot of Omicron. Nationally, the JN.1 group is currently the main lineage in Canada. The variant set off a massive wave of infections worldwide in November 2021.
Guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends updated COVID-19 vaccinations starting this fall for high-risk groups:
All other individuals aged six months and older may also receive COVID-19 vaccines, NACI recommended.
Doctors advise fresh vaccines because the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to mutate to avoid being recognized by our immune system and to better bind for entering human cells.
Canada's current contract with Novavax only provides access to domestically manufactured vaccines, which Novavax has been unable to confirm for the 2024-25 season, a federal spokesperson said.
"Provinces and territories may choose to procure independently from Novavax for their fall vaccination campaigns," the spokesperson said. "Demand for Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine has been very low in previous years."
Earlier this week, Health Canada also approved Moderna's updated mRNA vaccine for rollout in fall immunization campaigns.
Health Canada said it anticipates issuing a decision about Pfizer's updated mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 "over the next weeks."