(NC) We may have moved out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but COVID-19 hasn’t gone away.

With pandemic-era guidelines and restrictions widely removed across Canada, COVID-19 is still circulating and evolving. It’s important to remember that preventative measures, like vaccination, are highly recommended.

Even if you’ve received your initial COVID-19 vaccine in the past, protection wanes over time. Follow-up doses of the vaccine are designed to bolster that protection against continually evolving virus strains and help protect against serious illness.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 remains a crucial component in preventing severe illness, long COVID and even death,” says infectious diseases physician Dr. Zain Chagla. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season.”

It is recommended that those who are at-risk, including adults 65 years old and over, residents of long-term care homes and other group living settings for seniors, as well as individuals aged 6 months or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

Help protect yourself and others this fall – speak with a qualified health-care professional or visit your local pharmacy about getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine.