A federal panel recommends another COVID-19 booster shot for retirees beginning this month. It follows disclosures the Public Health Agency ordered delivery of another 91 million vaccine doses, according to Blacklock's Reporter..“A fourth dose of an original monovalent COVID-19 vaccine provides an increase in vaccine effectiveness against infection,” wrote the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. The panel noted there is “waning of protection” over time..The Committee in a report Friday said a new round of booster shots are recommended but not mandatory. “Starting in the spring of 2023 the Committee recommends an additional booster dose may be offered to individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” said the report Guidance On An Additional Covid-19 Booster Dose In The Spring Of 2023..The panel said a fourth shot is recommended for people over 80, residents of nursing homes, Canadians over 18 “who are moderately to severely immunocompromised” and Canadians over 65 who suspect they never contracted COVID..“There are Canadian data suggesting vaccine protection may reach a plateau for adults with hybrid immunity,” said Guidance. It defined “hybrid immunity” as protection from at least one Covid shot plus “exposure from infection.”.“A greater proportion of older adults are protected by vaccination only and have not been infected as compared to younger ages,” wrote the Committee. “Adolescents and young adults have the highest proportion of hybrid immunity and a large proportion of children have been infected but not vaccinated.”.The recommendation came three days after the Department of Public Works disclosed it contracted for delivery of an estimated $2.7 billion worth of vaccines in 2023 and 2024. The shipments were ordered two years ago under advance purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies. The Auditor General in a December 6 report COVID-19 Vaccines estimated costs averaged $30 per dose..Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos last June 30 told reporters that Canadians would be required to take regular booster shots for the foreseeable future. “‘Up to date’ is the right way to think about vaccination now,” said Duclos. “‘Fully vaccinated’ makes no sense now. It’s about ‘up to date.’”.“We will never be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Duclos. “Like the virus, our immunity also evolves.”.A total of 89% percent of adults have received at least two COVID shots, according to Public Health Agency data. The rate is over 90% in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The national vaccination rate for Canadians over 80 is 99%.
