Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available as Booster Dose for Eligible Individuals
Written by Comms Team, September 12, 2022
Eligible Individuals Can Book an Appointment Starting September 12
Today, the provincial government announced that the new Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available to eligible residents in Ontario. Beginning on September 12, eligible residents will be able to book an appointment.
To ensure those at highest risk receive the vaccine, the following individuals are eligible to book an appointment starting on September 12:
- Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1952 or before)
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults (18+) and household members (18+)
- Health Care Providers (18+)
- Individuals who are pregnant (18+)
- Individuals living in long term care, congregate settings, retirement homes and elder care lodges
- Immunocompromised individuals (12+)
On September 26, all residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Bivalent vaccine. Booking for eligible residents opens today, September 12. To assist with the distribution to high risk populations, all new booster appointments for those over the age of 18 will be paused until September 26. Previously scheduled booster appointments falling between September 12 and 25 will still be honored, and if available, the Bivalent vaccine will be offered.
Eligible residents are encouraged to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. However, eligible residents can book an appointment 3 months after their last dose with informed consent. Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health explained, “an extended interval between doses provides a stronger and more robust immune response. We are encouraging people to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.”
Residents are encouraged to review the PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar for updates on eligibility and appointment availability at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics. At this time, Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine appointments MUST be booked over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900
Eligible health care providers, pregnant individuals and residents who wish to shorten the dose interval and book for a date that is 3 months after their last dose must call the provincial booking line for an appointment.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) approved the Moderna Bivalent vaccine for individuals 18+ and immunocompromised individuals 12+ on September 1, 2022. This vaccine has been adapted from the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to target the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant. Dr. Piggott explained, “the bivalent vaccine has shown a strong immune response to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant as well as a good response to the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The Moderna Bivalent vaccine has similar ingredients, safety profile and side effects as the Moderna spikevax vaccine.”
While it is important to keep an extended interval between doses of the same vaccine, co-administration of two different vaccines, or receiving two different vaccines close together is accepted. Dr. Piggott mentioned, “Co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccines with another vaccine, like the influenza vaccine, is completely fine and will not impact the efficacy of either vaccine. As we are coming into flu season, it is important to stay up-to-date with the influenza vaccine and your COVID-19 vaccines.”
Dr. Piggott, will be going live on Instagram on September 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to discuss the bivalent vaccine. This will be a great opportunity for residents to ask any questions they may have about the vaccine. A recording will be posted on Instagram for those unavailable to attend the live instagram.com/ptbohealth. Please note: An Instagram account is not required for participation.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Peterborough Public Health- About the COVID-19 Vaccines.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352