A COVID-19 booster shot is an extra dose of the vaccine given after completion of the primary vaccine series. The booster shot is designed to help people maintain their protection against COVID-19 over time.

Health Canada received Pfizer’s submission to approve a booster on October 1, 2021. After a thorough, independent review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the Comirnaty COVID 19 booster shot meets the Department’s stringent safety, efficacy, and quality requirements.

The booster is licensed for individuals aged 70 and older, who have finished their primary vaccination series at least six months after receiving the first vaccine. The Comirnaty COVID-19 boost is a complete dose of the regular vaccine (30 mcg).

COVID-19 continues to demonstrate that being fully immunized provides excellent protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and mortality, including against Delta variants.

People in Canada should check with their local public health authorities for further information on who is recommended to get a booster dose at this time, based on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendations.