OTTAWA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) of Canada Tuesday recommended that the provinces and territories prepare for rapid deployment of second COVID-19 booster doses in the coming weeks.

       In an initial guidance on the use of second COVID-19 booster doses in Canada, the NACI strongly advised that residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings for seniors, as well as adults 80 years of age and over living in the community, be prioritized for second booster doses, adding that this guidance is based on current evidence and the NACI's expert opinion.

       The NACI said while the greatest benefit is expected in adults 80 years of age and older, jurisdictions may consider offering second booster doses to adults 70-79 years of age living in the community.

       A second booster dose program may also include adults younger than 70 years of age in or from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, the NACI recommended.

       Meanwhile, Ontario planned to start offering fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines, or the second booster shots, to residents aged 60 and older, local media reported. Fourth doses in the province, which has the largest population in Canada, are already available to long-term care and retirement home residents as well as those who are immunocompromised.

       According to Public Health Agency of Canada, the country has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with over 85% of eligible people having at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, as of March 27, over 84% of seniors aged 70 years or older and 68% of those aged 50-69 had received a third dose, or the first booster shot.