05:45 PM EDT, 08/18/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Pfizer's ( PFE ) Pfizer Canada unit and BioNTech (BNTX) said late Monday that Health Canada has authorized their updated Comirnaty Covid-19 vaccine adapted to the Omicron LP.8.1 variant for individuals 6 months and older.

The vaccine, designed to protect against one of the most recently circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, will be available at pharmacies nationwide this fall.

Eligibility under the public vaccination program will be determined by each province, with doses offered at no cost to those who qualify, the companies said.

Pfizer ( PFE ) and BioNTech said they are also working with private insurers and payers to expand reimbursement options for people outside public program criteria.

Health Canada's authorization is based on clinical, non-clinical and real-world data supporting the safety and efficacy of the companies' COVID-19 vaccines.

BioNTech is the marketing authorization holder for Comirnaty and its adapted vaccines in Canada, the US, the EU, the UK and other markets, according to a joint statement.