Summary of NACI statement of January 10, 2025: Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026 

On this page

• Overview
• What you need to know

Overview

On January 10, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's (NACI) Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI expert opinion.

Following a thorough review of the evidence, NACI makes the following recommendations, which apply for all of 2025 and up to the summer of 2026:

• NACI recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease, which includes the following individuals:
  • All adults 65 years of age or older
  • Those 6 months of age and older who are:
    • Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings;
    • Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs;
    • Pregnant women and individuals who are pregnant;
    • Individuals in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
    • Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities; and
    • Health care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings.
  • NACI recommends that all other previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (6 months of age and older) who are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease (i.e., not listed above) may receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

For those previously vaccinated, most are recommended to receive only one dose per year. However, some populations are recommended to also receive a second annual dose to mitigate the waning protection from COVID-19 vaccines.

• The following individuals who were previously vaccinated and are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease should receive a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year:
  • Adults 80 years of age or older;
  • Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors; and
  • Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
• Previously vaccinated adults 65 to 79 years of age who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease may receive a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year.

To receive a PDF copy of the full NACI statement, please email naci.publications-ccni@phac-aspc.gc.ca. A fully accessible version of the statement will be available online on the NACI website and updates to the COVID-19 vaccines chapter will be published in the Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG) as soon as possible.

What you need to know

• COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that remains a public health concern due to its potential to cause illness ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death.
• Certain groups, such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk for serious illness, highlighting the need for preventive measures such as COVID-19 vaccination.
• Unlike influenza, SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating year-round, without a clear pattern in disease activity. However, since 2022, COVID-19 activity has consistently been higher from late-summer to early January, coinciding with the fall/winter respiratory season
• NACI has provided this guidance for 2025 and up to the summer of 2026. NACI will provide further updated guidance as needed. It is too soon to determine the long-term optimal vaccination strategy for COVID-19 vaccines in different age groups and other risk groups.
• Starting in 2025, the responsibility for funding the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines will transition from the federal government to the provinces and territories (PTs). The PTs will determine vaccine eligibility and the optimal timing for vaccination by considering factors such as the availability of updated vaccines, the timing of the influenza vaccine and trends in COVID-19 disease in their jurisdiction.
• The minimum interval between COVID-19 doses is 3 months for previously vaccinated individuals. When deciding on the best time to get vaccinated, individuals can consider factors such as the time since their last dose or a test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, the level of virus circulation in the community, and upcoming events such as travel, major medical procedures, or large gatherings.
• Individuals who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine can start the vaccine series at any time, as SARS-CoV-2 circulates throughout the year.
• The most updated COVID-19 vaccines available should be used for the annual dose for both previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
• Some specific risk groups are recommended to receive two doses per year because of the risk of severe illness in these individuals, the duration of COVID-19 vaccine protection, and the year-round circulation of SARS-CoV-2.
• Individuals who are unvaccinated or previously vaccinated and have no contraindications can receive either an mRNA or protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine, based on age and vaccine availability.
• As COVID-19 strains continue to change, health authorities may authorize updates to the vaccines in 2025 and beyond to be more closely related to the new strains that are circulating in the population. While updated vaccines are expected to provide improved protection, current vaccines still offer some level of protection against these changing strains.
• As per previous guidance, COVID-19 vaccines may be given concurrently (i.e., same day), or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines (including live and non-live vaccines). NACI will continue to monitor the evolving evidence and will update guidance as needed.

To receive information regarding updates to the CIG and new NACI recommendations, statements and literature reviews, please subscribe to our publications mailing list.

Quotes

"NACI's latest guidance aims to ensure that Canadians continue to benefit from the protection COVID-19 vaccines offer, especially those at higher risk of severe outcomes. By providing recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination through 2025 and into the summer of 2026, NACI aims to support provinces and territories in planning ahead for COVID-19 vaccination programs. NACI remains committed to monitoring the evolving evidence on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 vaccines and will provide updated recommendations if needed."

- Dr. Robyn Harrison, NACI Chair

"I thank NACI for their ongoing efforts to provide timely and evidence-based guidance that supports vaccination programs across Canada. COVID-19 vaccination continues to play a key role in efforts to protect those at highest risk of severe illness, including older adults and individuals who have underlying medical conditions. Guidance up to the summer of 2026 will support provinces and territories in effectively integrating COVID-19 vaccines into their broader immunization programs as we adapt to the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2."

- Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer