By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
B.C. will soon be rolling out an Omicron-targeted COVID-19 booster shot approved today by Health Canada for all residents 18 years and older.
Health Canada announced today the approval of the adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine – known as a “bivalent” vaccine – targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant.
This is the first bivalent COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada, with the federal health authority hailing it as a “milestone in Canada’s response to COVID-19”.
“We are ready to deliver it to people in B.C. as soon as we get it,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer in a joint statement.
Moderna is providing 12 million doses to Canada with Dix and Henry saying B.C. will work with the federal government “to ensure a stable supply of the bivalent vaccine for British Columbians.”
“Once the supply arrives, we are all set to begin distribution,” the two said adding they expect the vaccines to come over several weeks.
“Most people should be able to get one in September or October,” they said noting that more information about timing and eligibility will be presented to the public on Sept. 6.
As before, the vaccines will be available in health-authority clinics and pharmacies.
With the imminent start of respiratory illness season, the health officials urged all B.C. residents to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines.
Meanwhile, Health Canada said that after a “thorough and independent scientific review” of the evidence it determined that the bivalent Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective.
Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain, Health Canada said.
It was also found to generate a good immune response against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, and is expected to extend the durability of protection.
This adapted vaccine has a similar safety profile to the previously approved Moderna Spikevax booster, with the same mild adverse reactions that resolved quickly.
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada “will continue to closely monitor the safety of this vaccine in Canada and internationally, and will take action if any safety concerns are identified.”
