Federal public health officials provided an update on the spread of the new COVID-19 sub variant dubbed “Kraken” within Canada.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Tam says nationally, the number of cases is not surging nor is there evidence of increased severity.

“XBB.1.5 is known to have been circulating in Canada at 2.5% during the week of December 25th to January 2nd. This proportion is projected to rise approximately 7% in Canada by mid January,” said Tam. She adds it’s unknown if it will become the dominant strain.

Meantime, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization isn’t recommending another COVI-19D booster dose if you’ve already had a fall booster.

It’s also strongly recommending those 65 and older and those between 5 and 64 with increased risk of severe illness get a bivalent booster vaccine but say only half of those over 65 got a fall booster.