Provinces told to pull existing COVID-19 vaccines ahead of arrival of updated shots

Health Canada has told the provinces to pull existing supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine that targets the XBB form of Omicron, a spokesperson for Ontario's health minister says.

"Health Canada has directed all provinces to follow practices and processes for the withdrawal and destruction of all remaining supplies of XBB vaccines, starting Sept. 1, 2024," the spokesperson said.

The Omicron branch of the viral family tree was discovered in late 2021 and started spreading rapidly around the world. The latest strains of Omicron circulating in Canada and the U.S. have names that start with KP. 

In a notice to health professionals, the federal government said that after Aug. 21, "there will no longer be XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines available for use in Canada. Updated COVID-19 vaccines to target the JN.1 or KP.2 strains are anticipated to be authorized by Health Canada in the coming weeks."

Ontario and Saskatchewan said vaccines will be available once received from Health Canada, after the updated formulation is approved. 

"It is estimated Ontario, and other provinces, will receive supply from Health Canada in October," a spokesperson said.

But in British Columbia, the existing COVID-19 vaccine will remain available until a new product is approved.

"We are encouraging people in B.C. to wait for the new formulation if they can — but we are ensuring in the interim that vaccine remains available for people who may need it," such as for travel, to visit an immunocompromised relative, or for vaccination prior to surgery, a spokesperson for B.C.'s provincial health officer said. 

A provincial spokesperson in Manitoba said most people will have a six-month gap between their last dose and this fall's update. To that end, all unused and expired doses of the XBB.1.5 vaccine were to be returned to the province as of the end of August, with specific requests for the current vaccine considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Doctors and vaccine experts say while the existing XBB shot isn't perfectly matched to circulating subvariants of Omicron, both it and the anticipated booster are expected to reduce the number of people landing in hospital.

Health officials recommend updated boosters since the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to mutate or change and protection from infection and immunizations wanes over time.

Several pharmacists in Ontario told CBC News the XBB vaccine is not available today. The same is the case in Alberta. 

Fady Salama, a pharmacist in Toronto, said he was initially confused about the faxed notice to discard existing vaccines.