Just 35 percent of Canadians have received booster so far

Just 35 percent of eligible Canadians have received their booster shots, health data shows.

During a press conference on Wednesday, federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos said that vaccination efforts must continue until there is "universal coverage."

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been authorized in Canada for booster use after six months after their first two doses.

Boosters are offered to those 18 an over and was initially given priority to those in hih-risk groups.

Prime Minister Trudeau said on Wednesday that children should get their doses, as 48 percent of eligible children have.

We know as we get back to school, as kids are re-engaging, parents are worried about the health of their kids. Therefore, get them vaccinated. The vaccination rate for kids five to 12 is too low in Canada,” he said.

“Which means not only are kids more vulnerable, but all of society. Whether it's teachers, whether it's grandparents, whether its frontline health workers risking getting overwhelmed when those people start to get sick. We need to do what's right… That means getting our kids vaccinated, it is safe and effective and the right way to get through this pandemic,” Trudeau said.

“We now have enough doses so that everyone can be vaccinated and even receive a booster dose, so there is no excuse. People must be vaccinated,” he continued.

Duclos revealed that infections would lively peak in the next few weeks.

“Though the risk of hospitalization is individually lower for Omicron, the sheer volume of cases will likely keep increasing hospital admissions. These forecasts underscore that we must continue to exercise considerable prudence in order to limit the coming surge,” Duclos said.

“We cannot overstate the importance of individual practices. Let us continue to wear a mask in public places, let us continue to limit our contacts, and most importantly, let us get vaccinated and when eligible get boosted as well," he said.