Canada's Covid-19 death toll surpasses 50,000
In Canada, the focus on COVID-19 vaccinations continues as the Public Health and Wellness Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports a total of 50,135 deaths due to the pandemic, with the absolute number remaining unchanged since the last update.
The National Advisory Committee on Booster Shots (NACI) has recommended bivalent mRNA vaccines as the preferred booster doses for individuals aged 5 years and older. These updated vaccines target both the original Wuhan strain of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant, providing better protection against circulating COVID-19 variants during respiratory illness seasons.
The bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for individuals 5 years and older as booster doses to enhance immunity against recent SARS-CoV-2 variants. Provincial programs, such as in British Columbia and Ontario, are preparing to offer these updated vaccines in the fall 2025 season, following the end of the spring 2025 vaccination period.
Consent is required for children receiving the vaccine, and it can be administered simultaneously with other routine immunizations, including influenza vaccines. If mRNA vaccines cannot be received due to allergies, individuals are advised to consult healthcare providers for alternative treatments, though non-mRNA vaccines like Novavax are currently unavailable in Canada.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, stated that while XBB sub-variants are expected to increase in Canada, it is not known whether they will become the dominant lineage. She added that the absolute number of cases is not surging currently in Canada. However, PHAC continues to urge Canadians to continue getting vaccinated as a "vital health and wellness action" and to stay up-to-date on their Covid-19 vaccinations.
As of the latest update, PHAC reported an additional 222 deaths with a regular positivity rate of 13.4%. The total number of cases in Canada since the first cases were reported in the spring of 2020 is now over 4.5 million.
Ontario has recorded 15,786 deaths due to the pandemic, making it the province with the highest death toll. Quebec has recorded the highest number of deaths due to the pandemic in Canada with 17,865.
PHAC has only expressed mild concern over the reporting of new cases, emphasizing that the current situation is manageable with ongoing vaccination efforts and public health measures. It has been over 6 months since an individual received their last dosage or was infected with COVID-19, and it is time to obtain a booster dose, according to the advice released by NACI.
Despite the encouraging news, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over, and vigilance is still required. The public is encouraged to follow public health guidelines, get vaccinated, and stay informed about the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19.
- The bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, targeting both the original strain and the Omicron variant, are recommended as booster doses for individuals 5 years and older to promote health and wellness during the ongoing pandemic.
- As PHAC continues to advocate for ongoing vaccination as a crucial health-and-wellness action, it's essential for the public to remain vigilant, follow public health guidelines, and stay informed about the latest medical-conditions and developments in the fight against COVID-19 to prevent future spikes.
