The provincial government is now making a bivalent COVID-19 booster available to all Ontarians over the age of 18 if it’s been at least six months since their last vaccine dose, starting with those who are: – 70 years and older, – residents of long-term care homes, nursing homes, etc. – Natives and their household members 18 and over, – moderately to severely immunocompromised people 12 and over, – pregnant women 18 and over, – health care workers 18 and over, Currently, previous vaccines for COVID-19 were univalent – meaning they targeted the original strain of COVID-19 as of 2020. The bivalent vaccine is essentially a combination of the original vaccine and an updated vaccine, which targets specific mutations in the spike protein seen in the multiple strains of the Omicron variant. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, says the release of the new vaccine is based on guidelines from Health Canada and the National Immunization Advisory Committee. “The bivalent COVID-19 booster is a safe and effective way for people to better protect themselves against the latest variants of COVID-19 circulating in Ontario,” said Dr. Moore. “As vaccine protection wanes over time, I encourage all Ontarians age five and older to get the booster dose for which they are eligible.” Booster appointments can be booked from today, but appointments will not take place until at least 26 September to allow the sites to be prepared. Appointments can be made through the Ontario COVID-19 Immunization Portal by calling the Provincial Immunization Contact Center at 1-833-943-3900 or through the Northwestern Health Unit subject to availability. Long-term care and nursing home residents will receive their booster dose through staff at the home they live in. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home from work, school, or social events until your fever goes away and your symptoms improve. Then have a rapid antigen test or PCR test if eligible, wear a mask for 10 days, and avoid unnecessary visits to high-risk people and environments.
