No Clinical Data in Health Canada’s ‘Thorough’ Review of Latest Pfizer COVID Shot

Health Canada says the safety and effectiveness of Pfizer’s XBB.1.5 shot is inferred from studies conducted on its previous mRNA products.

A sign is displayed in front of Health Canada headquarters in Ottawa in a file photo. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Health Canada says it conducted a “thorough” review before authorizing Pfizer-BioNTech’s latest COVID-19 shot targeting an Omicron variant, but information it tabled this week indicates it’s still waiting on the pharma giant to provide clinical data.

Health Canada provided the information on Dec. 11 in response to multiple vaccine-related questions filed in an order paper by NDP MP Don Davies.