For individuals who have previously been vaccinated with a complete primary series that did not include an XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, a dose of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended 6 months following previous COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later). Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) following previous vaccination or infection have also not been shown to pose a safety risk (see Table 2).
Individuals whose primary series includes the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine do not require further doses at this time once the series is complete.
An mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose is preferred for those previously vaccinated. However, Novavax Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 should be offered to individuals 12 years of age and older who are not able or willing to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Preference of mRNA vaccines over the protein subunit vaccine is due to the availability of more data with regard to the benefits and risks of mRNA vaccines compared to the protein subunit vaccine. Recommendations regarding the use of the protein subunit vaccine are currently under review by NACI. Both the original mRNA vaccines and Novavax Nuvaxovid original have been associated with a rare risk of myocarditis/pericarditis. Data is not yet available for XBB.1.5 vaccines.
For information on the management of errors and deviations, see PHAC’s resource: Quick reference guide on the use of COVID-19 vaccines: Managing vaccine administration errors or deviations for additional guidance.
Age | Previous vaccination with only non-XBB.1.5 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines | Number of doses and interval of XBB.1.5 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to be administered | |
---|---|---|---|
Moderna Spikevax XBB.1.5 scheduleB | Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 scheduleC | ||
For those not moderately to severely immunocompromised | |||
6 months to under 5 yearsD | 3 or more doses | See 2 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk |
2 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk | See 2 doses or 3 or more doses, as applicable | |
2 doses | See 2 or more doses | 1 dose 8 weeks from last dose | |
1 dose | 1 dose 8 weeks from last dose | 2 doses 8 weeks from last dose and between doses | |
5 years of age and older | 2 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk | 1 doseE 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk |
1 dose | 1 dose 8 weeks from last dose | 1 dose 8 weeks from last dose | |
For those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised | |||
6 months to under 5 yearsF | 4 or more doses | See 3 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk |
3 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk | See 3 doses or 4 or more doses, as applicable | |
3 doses | See 3 or more doses | 1 dose 4 to 8 weeks from last dose | |
2 doses | 1 dose 4 to 8 weeks from last dose Moderna is preferredF | 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks from last dose and between doses | |
1 dose | 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks from last dose and between doses Moderna is preferredF | 3 doses 4 to 8 weeks from last dose and between doses | |
5 years of age and olderH | 3 or more doses | 1 dose 6 months from last dose Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety riskH | 1 doseE,G 6 months from last doseG Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) have also not been shown to pose a safety risk |
2 doses | 1 dose 4 to 8 weeks from last dose | 1 doseG 4 to 8 weeks from last dose | |
1 dose | 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks from last dose and between doses | 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks from last dose and between doses | |
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