Now that it’s rolling out across the region, with priority given to the highest-risk groups and health workers, experts hope to see more people boosted. “The bivalent vaccine will provide greater protection against the strains currently circulating,” said Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 Program Manager Kendra Luxmore. “That’s certainly what we want to see this fall, where we expect to see higher case rates.” The bivalent enhancer targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the first Omicron variant that emerged late last year. According to regional health data, between 50 and 60 percent of eligible people received the first booster dose that targets only the original strain but still offers some protection against Omicron. Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) COVID-19 programming manager Nastassia McNair said the new shot is proving more effective. “Studies show that, when given as a second booster, the bivalent vaccine demonstrates a higher antibody response to the virus at that time point,” said McNair. Anyone can reserve a seat for the souvenir now, but health officials are asking those in good health to wait until Sept. 26, when it will be more widely available to the general public. The current COVID-19 situation in the Northeast stands at 28 active high-risk cases, as of Friday. This breaks down into:
17 in Greater Sudbury Five in Algoma Five in the Porcupine health area One in North Bay-Parry Sound
Although testing data is limited, officials expect the virus will likely circulate more in the coming weeks and that it’s best to be prepared.
Health experts advise people to wait at least six months after their last vaccine or COVID-19 infection to give their immune system a jump start, although people are eligible for the booster after three months. “It’s important to protect ourselves, protect our community, cover (and) follow this guidance as needed,” Luxmore said.
