Ottawa – On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened the first meeting of its International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024. Following the meeting, the WHO Director General issued a statement declaring that the increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries …
Guidance for RSV vaccines has changed
Ottawa – Health officials in Canada have changed the guidelines for respiratory syncytial virus vaccines. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) now recommends RSV vaccines for individuals who are 75 and older, especially those who have a greater risk of developing severe RSV. Based on current evidence and expert opinion, NACI said in a news release, it also strongly …
Health Canada authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5
Ottawa – Health Canada has authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant for individuals six months of age and older. Health Canada received Pfizer-BioNTech’s submission on June 29, 2023. After a thorough and independent review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the vaccine meets the Department’s stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements. …
NACI provides strong recommendation for PREVNAR 20
KIRKLAND – The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recently provided a strong recommendation for PREVNAR 20 for the following adult populations who have not been previously immunized with a pneumococcal vaccine or whose vaccination status is unknown: Adults ≥65 years of age Adults 50-64 years of age living with risk factors placing them at higher risk of pneumococcal disease. …
Covid-19 Booster Recommended for High-Risk Individuals This Spring
Boosters for high-risk individuals help protect against severe outcomes from COVID-19 TORONTO — Based on guidance from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending high-risk individuals receive their next COVID-19 booster dose this spring. “Staying up to date with vaccinations continues to be our best defense against COVID-19 and I’m …