Health Canada has approved Moderna’s latest COVID-19 vaccine targeting the most recent variants of the virus as provinces and territories prepare for their fall vaccine campaigns.
The agency approved the SpikeVAX vaccine, produced by Moderna, targeting the KP.2 variant on Tuesday.
The vaccine dosing has not changed, with those 12 years and older to get one dose of 50 micrograms and those five to 11 to receive 25 mcg. Those not previously vaccinated can also receive the new vaccine, though are recommended to receive two shots of 25 mcg each.
As of Sept. 3, the KP.3.1.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 accounted for 52 per cent of infections in Canada, making it the dominant strain in the country.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also approved the Moderna vaccine that corresponds to KP.2, but noted the vaccine was closely enough related to KP.3.1.1 that it promised cross-protection.
KP.3 is the genetic cousin of KP.1 and KP.2, which are dubbed the “‘FLiRT’ variants.
These originate from JN.1, the Omicron subvariant that fuelled the winter surge.
It’s not known when the vaccine will be delivered to provinces, though in August the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommended the most recently updated COVID-19 vaccines for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 illness.
That included people 65 and older, long-term care home residents, pregnant people, those with underlying conditions and people from Indigenous communities.
Vaccines produced by Pfizer and Novavax are still seeing Health Canada approval as of Tuesday.