At least 200 local residents from high-risk groups have already had the shot. Anyone aged 18 or over will be eligible to make an appointment for this from 26 September. On Thursday afternoon, health doctor Dr. Thomas Piggott went live on Instagram to answer questions from citizens about the new vaccine. Here are some of the highlights: Q: What is a bivalent vaccine anyway? What does the word “bivalent” even mean? A: “It means (the vaccine) has two strains of protection against COVID-19,” Pigott said. He said it protects against the original strain that started circulating in December 2019 (the same as the vaccine we’ve had for the past 18 months) and also protects against the BA Omicron variant. 1. “By creating protection from both, it is expected to be more effective and useful in preventing infection.” Q: So does this mean that this vaccine will provide almost complete protection against infection? A: Piggott said that’s not exactly clear, yet. When the first (monovalent) vaccines were released in January 2021, he said, studies showed they reduced infection by about 95 percent. But that was when only the original strain of COVID-19 was circulating – no variants yet. “When some of the variants started showing up, they started escaping your immune system – and even with vaccination, there could be a spread of infection. There was a reduction (in infection), but it was much smaller: maybe around 20 to 30 per cent, rather than that 95 per cent,” Dr Piggott said. He added that scientists expect this new bivalent vaccine “will still be very effective” in protecting people from serious illness and death from COVID-19, but it is not yet known whether it will reduce infection by 95 percent. Q: Is the bivalent vaccine safe? A: Yes, said Pigott. “The safety is largely the same as the monovalent vaccine, which is now known to be safe: More than 10 billion doses have been administered worldwide. With this vaccine, we are confident that vaccines for COVID-19 are safe,” he said. Q: Can you still do the bivalent vaccine in Peterborough? A: Yes, Piggott said it’s been offered all week by Peterborough Public Health (about 200 local people had received it by Wednesday). From this week you were eligible to book an appointment if you are:
70 years or older (born in 1952 or before)
A First Nations, Inuit or Métis adult (18 and over) or household member (and over) of someone who meets these criteria
A healthcare provider (18+)
Living in long-term care, an assisted living facility, a nursing home or an aged care facility
Immunocompromised (12+)
From 26 September, you will be eligible to receive a dual vaccine locally if you live in the Peterborough area and are aged 18 or over. Q: How soon after my last booster can I book my bivalent vaccine? A: Piggott said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends waiting six months after the last booster before getting the new bivalent booster. “And that’s because there’s good evidence that protection (from your previous booster) should last six months,” he said. “If it’s been more than six months since the third of the fourth installments, then you should come in for an extra reminder this fall. And this will likely be a bivalent vaccine.” But he also said it’s possible to get a dual booster earlier: the provincial government will allow it 84 days after your last booster. Piggott said if you have medical risk factors, for example — or live with someone who does — you may want to talk to your health care provider about shortening the time between a booster and a bivalent vaccine. However, this won’t be for everyone. “Overall, I still support the recommendation that NACI has, that the six-month time period is probably the right point to get a booster,” Pigott said. Q: What if it has been six months since my last reminder but I recently had COVID-19? Should I reserve a bivalent amplifier now? A: Wait a minute. “The recommendation is to wait three months or more” after being infected with COVID-19 before getting this bivalent booster, Piggott said. He said this is because people are “less likely” to experience a recurrence of COVID-19 within three months of infection. Piggott also said that waiting a little longer may provide the best possible protection from the vaccine. “Waiting three months will mean you’ll have a stronger immune response from the vaccine – and the protection will last longer,” he said. Q: Can I get both a flu shot and a bivalent COVID-19 booster this fall? A: Yes, although Piggott said it is best to wait two weeks after receiving one vaccine before receiving the other. He also said the flu could make a resurgence this season in Peterborough. “Flu is likely to make a significant comeback – so be sure to get the flu shot when it’s available, which will be later this fall.” You can see the full 33 minute video at instagram.com/p/CiirYAZJNtC/ People can make appointments online by booking an appointment online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or by calling 1-833-943-3900. Participating local pharmacies also offer appointments. The health unit’s vaccine clinic is located on the lower level of Peterborough Square. The health unit requires the use of a mask in the clinic. Hikes are currently not accepted. There is a clinic for ages 12 and up on Tuesdays from 9am. until 4 p.m. Pediatric doses are only available next week locally from local pharmacies or health care providers. [email protected] SHARE:
