Health Canada has approved a new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for all Canadians over the age of six months based on preliminary clinical data.

Health Canada posted authorization of the new shot on Sept. 12, saying the vaccine targets an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.5.

Shots recommended are as follows: One dose for ages five years and older, and as a booster for ages six years and older. For children between six months and four years old, the government suggests they have two doses if they have not previously been given a COVID shot.

On Sept. 12, Health Canada officials delivered a technical briefing on the new Moderna vaccine. A spokeswoman said the vaccine was authorized “after an independent and thorough scientific review for safety, efficacy, and quality, including a review of data from several studies of the primary series and booster doses of the VX vaccine collected over the past two years.”