Saskatchewan is one of several provinces that has disposed of its existing XBB.1.5 Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, according to the Health Ministry.
Both Ontario and Alberta have also pulled their XBB vaccines from shelves in recent days.
In a statement from Dale Hunter, Saskatchewan health ministry senior media relations consultant, the Public Health Agency of Canada directed the withdrawal of all of the vaccines.
“All healthcare facilities, pharmacies and physician offices in Saskatchewan would have disposed of their remaining Moderna Spikevax XBB.1.5 and Pfizer Comirnaty XBB.1.5 vaccine stock on August 31, 2024,” he wrote in a statement.
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The Public Health Agency of Canada said a new vaccine targeting the JN.1 or KP.2 strains should be approved by Health Canada “in the coming weeks,” but did not give any specific dates.
“Once approved, updated COVID-19 vaccines will replace the current supply. Withdrawing the previous XBB vaccines is part of regulatory and supply management best practices, consistent with the approach to annual influenza vaccines,” said Tammy Jarbeau, senior media relations advisor, in a statement.
Hunter added that a supply of Pfizer and Moderna XBB vaccine will be maintained in the province for use in case of an emergency or delay getting the new vaccines.