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NACI: Provinces should prep to offer 2nd COVID-19 booster shots

Apr 5, 2022 | 9:57 AM

OTTAWA — The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says provinces and territories should rapidly prepare to offer fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks.

The committee says governments should prioritize people over the age of 80 and people living in long-term care.

NACI also strongly recommends a second booster for people between 70 and 79 years of age.

In general, the group says a second booster dose should be given 6 months after the patients got their first booster shots factoring in a recent COVID-19 infection.

NACI says the recommendations are made in light of the potential for waning effectiveness of booster doses against severe disease. 

NACI is still studying whether a second booster shot is necessary for younger adults and adolescents. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 5, 2022.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press