COVID-19 Vaccine Fall Guidance Released
Written by Comms Team, September 27, 2023
SPIKEVAX XBB.1.5 Vaccine Will be Available to Residents 6 Months and Older
The Ministry of Health has released guidance for Fall COVID-19 vaccines. In the coming weeks, Moderna’s updated SPIKEVAX XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all residents 6 months of age and older. This vaccine, which better protects again 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.
“At this time, sub lineages of the XBB COVID-19 strain are circulating in the country with predictions that it will become the dominant strain this season. This means that the new XBB vaccine should provide an important update to people’s current protection, even if they have previously had booster doses including the bivalent vaccine,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Those who are at higher risk for complications related to a COVID-19 infection are strongly advised to receive a booster dose with the XBB.1.5 formulation”
Immunization Eligibility
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine will align with eligibility for the Influenza vaccine.
First eligible group:
- Hospitalized individuals and hospital staff
- Long-Term Care Home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers
Next eligible group:
- Individuals at high-risk for influenza and/or COVID-19 related complications or hospitalization:
- Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)
- Pregnant individuals
- Individuals ? 65 years of age
- All children 6 months to 4 years of age [influenza risk]
- Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members
- Individuals 6 months of age and older with underlying health conditions per NACI (Influenza & COVID-19)
- Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities
- Health care workers and first responders
Final eligible group:
- Administration for the general public will begin as soon as supply permits.
While data has shown that the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine will provide a stronger immune response and greater protection this fall, individuals who wish to receive the bivalent BA.4/5 sooner should speak with their health care provider or local pharmacist who is administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
Throughout October and November, Peterborough Public Health will be holding community COVID-19 immunization clinics across the county and at our office. Residents who are eligible can book an appointment through the provincial vaccine booking centre call line at 1-833-943-3900 or online at COVID?19 vaccines | ontario.ca. Some PPH immunization clinics will be offering COVID-19 vaccines and Influenza vaccines. Additional information will be available on the provincial vaccine booking centre website. Many local pharmacies will be offering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines this season. Please confirm with the pharmacy what vaccine types they have available. To find a participating pharmacy, residents can visit https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/
Pfizer XBB and Novavax XBB COVID 19 vaccines are still awaiting approval from Health Canada and are therefore not available at this time.
Join Dr. Piggott on Thursday, September 28 at 5:00 p.m. on Instagram LIVE (@ptbopublichealth) to learn more and ask questions about the upcoming respiratory season, and the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.
For more information about COVID-19, vaccine eligibility, and clinic availability, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
To receive weekly updates of the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index, sign up at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-risk-index/
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