COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Eligibility Updated
Written by Comms Team, October 30, 2023
XBB.1.5 COVID-19 Vaccine and Influenza Vaccine Now Available to Residents 6 Months and Older
Starting today, all residents over the age of 6 months are now eligible to book an appointment for their fall COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.
The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all residents over the age of 6 months. This vaccine, which better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant, can be received by those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine and those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months (168 days). Individuals who have been previously vaccinated but have had a COVID-19 infection recently are asked to wait 6 months after the infection, and at least 6 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose, to receive their fall dose.
“COVID-19 continues to circulate at a high rate in our community and we have confirmed that Influenza has arrived,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Receiving a fall COVID-19 vaccine, which is a new vaccine against COVID-19 XBB strains, and the Influenza vaccine is important protection for everyone and I recommend you book an appointment to get yourself protected.”
Booking a Vaccine Appointment:
COVID-19 Vaccine –
- Receive the vaccine at a local participating pharmacy. Review appointment information before booking
- Book an appointment with the Provincial Vaccine Booking Centre
- Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine, OR
- Over the phone Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1-833-943-3900
- Please note – Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics are in high demand. If residents do not see clinic availability on the provincial booking system, this means all available clinics are full. Please connect with a local pharmacy OR check back later for more appointment openings.
Influenza Vaccine –
- Receive the vaccine at a local participating pharmacy. Please note – local pharmacies only administer the influenza vaccine for residents over the age of 2 years.
- Primary Care Provider
- Book an appointment at a Public Health clinic. Please note – these clinics are available for residents under the age of 2 years and their immediate family members.
Novavax XBB COVID 19 vaccines are still awaiting approval from Health Canada and are therefore not available at this time.
For more information about COVID-19, vaccine eligibility, and clinic availability, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
To receive weekly updates of the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index, sign up at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-risk-index/
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca