Summary of National Advisory Committee on Immunization statement of July 11, 2023: Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the fall of 2023

Download in PDF format
(256 KB, 4 pages)

Organization: Health Canada or Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published: July 11, 2023

Cat.: HP5-159/2-2023E-PDF

ISBN: 978-0-660-49306-0

Pub.: 230216

On this page

Overview

What you need to know

For more information on recommended vaccine products and dosages per age group, please see NACI Statement: Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the fall of 2023.

For more information on NACI’s recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, please refer to the COVID-19 vaccine chapter of the Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG), as well as additional statements on the NACI web page.

Quotes

“NACI anticipates that new COVID-19 vaccine formulations could be available this fall, and the committee is recommending that jurisdictions plan to offer a dose of the new vaccine if it has been at least 6 months since a previous dose of vaccine or a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

While we have seen that COVID-19 can peak at any time of year, we typically have a very strained health system during the respiratory virus season, which typically occurs during the fall and winter months. Offering another dose of COVID-19 vaccine starting this fall is expected to increase protection, and will be particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease. This will benefit individuals and also may help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the health system.”

Dr. Shelley Deeks, NACI Chair

“I thank NACI for their timely advice on COVID-19 vaccination for this upcoming fall. An additional dose using the latest vaccine formulations will be an important tool to not only build back protection against severe disease that wanes over time, but also protect against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. This additional dose is especially important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease. Keeping up Canadians’ protection against COVID-19 through vaccination, layered with personal protective practices, will be vital this fall when we expect other respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV, to be co-circulating in our communities and adding stress to our healthcare system.”

Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer

Page details

Date modified: