NACI guidance on fourth dose of COVID vaccine expected soon: PHAC

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is expected to release guidance on fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine in early April as public health indicators tick up across Canada.

A spokeswoman for the Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that the agency expects to publish NACI's advice on fourth doses for "elderly populations at higher risk of severe disease" in the coming days.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott, meanwhile, told legislators Thursday that she expects to receive advice from NACI imminently.

"We're working on the booster shots and we're also examining whether a fourth shot is necessary, an extra booster. We're waiting for NACI's advice ... about what age group should be receiving the fourth vaccination, if necessary," she said.

"We are actively moving on this and we're continuing with our plan across the province of Ontario."