Ottawa/IBNS: Health Canada Friday authorized the use of a Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster targeting Omicron sub-variants.
“Today, Health Canada authorized a second bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster.
“This is an updated version of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, targeting the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, and is authorized for use as a booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older,” Health Canada said in a release.
Canada’s health authority said it has greenlighted the use of the booster vaccine after a “thorough and independent review” of the available evidence.
The newly approved vaccine should give strong protection against both SARS-Cov-2 and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sub variants, the release said, adding that only “mild” side effects are to be expected.
Health Canada continues to recommend that citizens stay up to date with their vaccines, stressing that it is the most effective protection tool against COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalization, and consequent death.
The safety of this and other vaccines will continue to be closely monitored by the health authority, the release added.
