Toronto: Health authorities here have recommended a fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, or a second booster, for vulnerable demographic groups.
In the “context of protection against severe disease potentially decreasing over time following the first booster dose, and/or risk of immune evasion by highly transmissible variants of concern which can cause severe disease”, it has recommended that “jurisdictions prepare for the rapid deployment of a second Covid-19 vaccine booster dose program over the coming weeks”, said the guidance released by the National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) on Tuesday.
The target groups to be prioritised will include adults over 80, seniors living in long-term care facilities or congregate settings. NACI also said jurisdictions could use their discretion to offer the second booster to those in the 70 to 79 age bracket.\
“Covid-19 epidemiological indicators vary across Canada, with some areas seeing an increase in Covid-19 activity. An increase in Covid-19 activity is expected as public health measures are lifted and the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant spreads,” NACI noted.
Nearly 85% of Canadian above the age of five are considered to be fully vaccinated, having received the primary series of two jabs. In addition, nearly 57% of those above 18 have received a booster.
Several provinces have relaxed Covid-19 restrictions, including dropping mask mandates or doing away with vaccine passports for certain activities.