The bivalent mRNA vaccine targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron B1 variant and will help provide protection during the expected decline. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering the reminder to priority groups at higher risk of hospitalization, serious illness or death from infection with COVID-19, including people aged 70 and over and long-term care residents. Starting Tuesday, eligible individuals can receive the bivalent reminder by appointment only at local GO-VAXX bus visits and health unit clinics. The vaccine is available for people at the recommended interval of at least six months after their previous dose or three months with informed consent, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.

		Read more: Ontario begins offering bivalent COVID vaccines to the most vulnerable 		
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			Ontario begins offering bivalent COVID vaccines to the most vulnerable

Story continues below ad Appointments are available through the provincial COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Center at 1-833-943-3900. Walk-ins are currently not available. Eligible groups include First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over, pregnant people aged 18 and over and health care workers aged 18 and over. Trending Stories

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Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older are also eligible. The health unit said the targeted booster dose of Omicron may be offered based on clinical judgment for 12- to 17-year-olds who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. All residents aged 18 and over can book an appointment from Monday, but people outside the highest priority groups will not be eligible for an appointment until September 26.

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To prioritize distribution, the health unit is pausing new reminder appointments for people 18 and older until September 26, when bivalent booster eligibility is extended to people 18 and older. Although no new appointments have been booked, all booster appointments previously booked for September 12-25 will be kept and, if available, the bivalent vaccine will be offered. Story continues below ad On Wednesday, the health unit is offering a one-day pop-up clinic at the Ontario Works Office at 136 Bayfield St., 4th floor in Barrie, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. COVID-19 vaccines for eligible individuals five years of age and older will be available on a case-by-case basis only, including a limited supply of the bivalent booster for members of priority groups, as capacity allows. In addition, the RVH COVID-19 vaccination clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie continues to offer reserved appointments and tours from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also make an appointment with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic at the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance 170 Colborne St. W. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.