Canada has launched its 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with provinces and territories rolling out updated mRNA vaccines designed to target the latest Omicron strains circulating in the country.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, while also reducing the risk of long COVID.
The rollout comes as respiratory-related ER visits increase nationwide. For the week ending Sept. 20, about 10% of COVID-19 tests were positive, up slightly from the previous week.
Updated vaccines available
This fall, Health Canada approved updated mRNA shots from Moderna (available to those six months and older) and Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages five and up). Infectious disease specialists say both are equally effective.
Dr. Donald Vinh, infectious disease specialist at McGill University Health Centre, said the LP.8.1 formulation specifically targets the latest Omicron variant.
“If you receive this updated LP.8.1 dose, you will get a fourfold increase in antibody levels compared to not getting the vaccine,” Vinh explained.
Who should get it?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for:
Adults aged 65+
Residents of long-term care and group homes
People with underlying health conditions
Pregnant individuals
Indigenous communities (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
Health-care workers and care providers
Racialized and equity-denied communities
Everyone aged six months and up may also receive the updated shot, even if they’re not considered high-risk.
Cost and availability
For most Canadians, COVID-19 vaccines remain free of charge. Alberta and Quebec are exceptions, charging $100 to $180 for those outside their high-risk definitions.
Vaccines are available at pharmacies, public health clinics, and family physicians’ offices. Provinces are gradually updating their rollout plans, with Ontario already prioritizing long-term care residents and other high-risk groups.
