Alberta infectious disease experts encouraged new bivalent omicron-specific booster now approved
Health Canada approved a variant-specific vaccine Thursday which some Alberta infectious disease experts hope will encourage uptake as doses become available this fall.
The bivalent vaccine created by Moderna/Spikevax uses MRNA technology to increase an immune response to earlier editions of SARS-COV2 and has been designed to specifically target the Omicron variant BA.1.
One infectious disease expert said the updated version may lag behind more recent virus mutations in circulation, but the development is an encouraging tool in the pandemic.
"It's not a perfect match. This is based on the original Omicron variant, and since then, we've had some variants emerge. But it does bring that the vaccine composition a little closer to what the dominant strains in the community are at the moment," said Craig Jenne, infectious diseases specialist and associate professor at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Craig Jenne
Health Canada recommends the updated booster for adults over age 18 who've completed a full vaccine series, regardless of what type.
It's recommended to be administered between three to six months after a COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
"My hope is that people especially who have only had two doses will see this as something different and may provide increased protection, and therefore they will be more willing to get this booster," said Dr. Stephanie Smith, infectious disease physician based at the University of Alberta.
ADVOCATES CALL FOR COMMUNICATION
Vaccine advocates say provincial health officials should communicate the benefits of getting boosted, so that transmission and severe outcomes remain low and public activity remains free from public health restrictions.
"I think every emphasis around the importance of needing to protect ourselves and others as well in our community is going to be an important aspect of this messaging, as we come into the fall," Theresa Tang co-founder and chief operating officer of "19 to Zero," and organization that promotes safe pandemic behaviours.
In a statement to CTV News, Alberta Health says decisions and details for rolling out the newly approved vaccine have yet to be determined, but will be shared publicly.
"Availability will be subject to the allocation Alberta receives from the federal government," said Charity Wallace, communications assistant director with Alberta Health.
BOOSTER AMBIVALENCE
Some Calgarians are mixed on their approach to choosing another vaccine option.
"For myself, I have two vaccines and so I feel like the booster isn't something that I need to get," said Taya De Baat.
She added, "We probably won't be choosing to get boosted and won't be choosing to get my daughter boosted or vaccinated."
"It's a very targeted virus right now. It's grown and evolved so I think that a vaccine that addresses that is necessary," said Fraser Armstrong.
"I'm more interested in having protection against (Omicron) than a booster of the old variants," said Mitch Gamble.
More than 10 million variant specific booster doses are scheduled to ship to Canada in September.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'