Canadians urged to take COVID-19 booster shots before the potential fall wave

Federal health authorities require Canadians to receive a booster dose of theCOVID-19vaccine before the virus may relapse in the fall. ..

Although case numbers and other indicators are stable or declining in most parts of Canada, the virus continues to circulate and is Dr. Teresa, Canada's Chief Health Officer. It may begin to spread further during the fall respiratory virus season. Tam said on Thursday.

In addition, two highly contagious cases of COVID-19 mutants of the Omicron strain called BA.4 and BA.5, which are promoting new outbreaks in the United States and Europe, are in Canada. Is increasing in. It raises additional concerns.

"As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread around the world and new variants emerge and spread, we are vigilant and will be back in the weeks and months ahead. We need to be prepared, "Tam said in a briefing on Thursday.

Read more: COVID-19 boosters recommended this fall ahead of future pandemic waves: NACI

That's why health officials urge all Canadians to update their vaccines as soon as possible. .. This no longer means two doses.

Canadians are now considered up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine only if they received their last vaccination within the last 9 months.

"The immunity given by the first series of two doses of the vaccine given in 2021 has now diminished," Duclos said.

"You may have been infected, but the risk is high, and you may be re-infected with all failures, including the risk of developing the symptoms oflong COVID. Please, it's important to take a shot where you go and wait for you. "

The government" doesn't want to go back to more restrictive public health measures, "and vaccination needs this. Dulcos added that it is an important measure to prevent this.

Wednesday, national immunity The Advisory Board (NACI) recommends that all Canadians at high risk of serious illness due to COVID-19 be provided with booster doses, regardless of the number of booster doses they have previously received. Has been released.

It also states that this guidance can be extended to all individuals between the ages of 12 and 64.

"Up-To date vaccination is a foundation of individual and collective protection that helps reduce the spread leading to recurrence and significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. It continues to be, "Tam said Thursday.

Earlier this month, Tam told reporters during a briefing that the efficiency of the COVID-19 vaccine declined significantly over time, 50-80% six months after the second vaccination. He said it would drop below 20% from effectiveness.

Read more:Canada expands COVID-19 border measures to the next traveler

Currently Up to, only 60 percent of Canadians are vaccinated with booster vaccines.

Tam admitted that it can be difficult to convince 40% of those who have not yet been boosted.

The important thing is that you are trying to understand why you chose not to do so.

"We ... need to continue a more targeted community-led effort to understand why people aren't getting as much vaccine as possible," she said.

"Today, Canadians explain that vaccine protection can decline over time, the virus is changing, and it is important prior to the respiratory virus season.

As new variants emerge, many countries now have more targeted protection against viral mutations COVID-19. We have received applications for new vaccine formulations from some vaccine manufacturers.

Read more: US FDA supports COVID-19 booster shots targeting Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants

Tam has stated that none of these companies have so far submitted data on updated vaccines to Canadian health regulators. She said she hopes this information will be submitted to Health Canada as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Canadians need to get boosters, and health officials are waiting for the possible consequences of the new vaccine, she said.

"I think now it's a very important goal to look at ways to expand the immune range and immune response," Tam said.

"Of course, Canada will evaluate when these vaccines are installed."

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization called for accelerated efforts and incentives to see the Pancoronavirus vaccine developed for use worldwide.

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