Braced for an increase in COVID cases, Health Canada considers 3 new vaccines – CBC

If authorized for use, new vaccine formulations will roll out this fall

Aug 28, 2023

With early signs indicating the COVID-19 caseload is poised to grow in the weeks ahead, Health Canada is considering three new vaccines specifically designed to target an Omicron subvariant of the virus.

The department told CBC News Monday that new mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been part of a months-long review process and supplies could start to roll out in the fall.

A third, non-mRNA product from Maryland-based vaccine maker Novavax is also on Health Canada’s radar but the department hasn’t yet received a formal submission from the company.

That timeline is similar to what is planned south of the border. The U.S. is poised to release an updated COVID booster in late September once regulators there sign off on the new shots.

These new vaccines are designed for the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant now in widespread circulation.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-reviewing-new-covid-vaccine-1.6949904