Canadians will be required to get a COVID shot every nine months for the foreseeable future, says Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. He told reporters that previous definitions of “fully vaccinated” made no sense..“Nine months is very clear and will help people understand why ‘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.’ So am I up-to-date in my vaccination? Have I received a vaccination in the last nine months?”.According to Blacklock's Reporter, when a reporter asked Duclos if he was setting the stage for vaccine mandates to return in the fall, he replied, “We must continue to fight against COVID.".“Do you rule out a return to mandates?” asked a reporter. “We want to be prepared for next fall and that requires an up-to-date vaccination which is based on the nine months,” replied Duclos..“Why hasn’t the government changed the definition of fully vaccinated to three doses instead of two?” asked a reporter. “We can look forward to continuing the fight in the fall,” replied Duclos..“We will never be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Duclos. “Like the virus, our immunity also evolves.”.“Two doses are no longer enough,” said Duclos. “We must keep our vaccination up-to-date.”.“‘Up-to-date’ means you have received your last dose in the past nine months,” said Duclos. “If you’ve already received a first booster, that’s great. Please see if you’re eligible for a second or third booster to remain up-to-date.”.Currently 86% of Canadians over age five are fully vaccinated with two COVID-19 shots, according to a National Advisory Committee on Immunization. The committee in a June 29 report said it would “continue to monitor the evidence” on whether third and fourth booster shots were recommended for the general public..The committee has approved a fourth booster shot for nursing home residents, prisoners, residents of First Nations communities, the general public over 65 and immunocompromised individuals over the age of 12..“The committee recommends all other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may be offered a fall COVID-19 booster dose regardless of the number of booster doses previously received,” it wrote in a June 29 report..“The committee has not been prescriptive,” said Dr. Matthew Tunis, executive secretary, adding, “The committee is unable to predict how exactly the future will unfold. So they’re providing us with the best advice at the time to look forward.”
