As of this week, both Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are available across the province.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says booster doses are available at local pharmacies and health unit vaccination clinics.
While walk-in appointments will not be accepted at HPEPH clinics, additional appointments will be added in the coming weeks as capacity allows.
The National Advisory Committee on immunization advises that the following individuals should receive a booster dose of the COVID vaccine:
Individuals 65 or older, individuals 12 or older who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.
The health unit says all other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may also be offered a booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.
The following is from the health unit release:
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) advises that the following individuals should receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine:
- Individuals 65 years of age or older;
- Individuals in long-term care facilities or congregate living settings for seniors;
- Individuals aged 12 or older who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (regardless of the number of booster doses previously received);
- All other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may also be offered a booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.
Does it matter which type of booster vaccine I receive?
Evidence shows that both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are effective against current strains of COVID-19, and will help reduce the risk of severe illness related to the virus. Residents aged 18+ are encouraged to take advantage of either type of booster vaccine, to obtain additional protection against current variants of COVID-19. Youth aged 12-18 are eligible for the Pfizer bivalent only, unless they are immunocompromised.
As local health care leaders anticipate a challenging cold, flu and COVID-19 season this fall and winter, all eligible residents are encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to receive a booster vaccination as soon as possible. Getting a booster will help protect you, the vulnerable, and the health care system.
When can I get bivalent booster dose?
Eligible individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose or a minimum of 3 months from a previous COVID-19 infection, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
When and how can I book an appointment?
HPEPH is working diligently to add appointments to upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics, however demand remains high. Public health vaccination resources are limited, as HPEPH is also working to help local children and youth catch up with routine childhood vaccinations and prevent other serious illnesses. To obtain a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, residents are encouraged to:
- Contact local pharmacies to inquire about availability.
- Continue to check the https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 for upcoming public health clinic availability.
- Visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking for a list of upcoming public health vaccination clinic dates. Please note that all upcoming clinics are listed here. If clinics are fully booked, they will not be visible when checking the provincial booking portal.
What about the flu shot?
As we approach cold, flu, and COVID-19 season, getting both a COVID-19 bivalent booster and the influenza shot will help prevent your risk of serious illness. Beginning November 1, flu shots will be available through your health care provider and participating pharmacies. For individuals aged 5 and older, there is no need to wait between your COVID-19 and flu vaccine.
