HURON-PERTH – As of Sept. 26, all individuals aged 18 and over can receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster at Huron Perth Public Health clinics.
For the last two weeks, health- care workers and populations most vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness were prioritized to receive this vaccine.
The bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron BA.1 subvariant, and also generates a good immune response against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
“As we head into fall and winter, there will be a rise in respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron Perth. “By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, you maintain your protection against vaccine-preventable diseases and reduce the chances of severe illness. Vaccination allows us to safely participate in activities and spend time with the people we love.”
Individuals who are eligible to receive a bivalent booster can do so at a recommended interval of six months (168 days) from their previous dose, or a minimum interval of three months (84 days), regardless of how many booster doses they have already received.
Vulnerable individuals such as those aged 70 and over, and moderately to severely-immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over are strongly recommended to receive their bivalent booster at three months (84 days) since previous dose, upon discussion with their health care provider, to protect themselves this fall as people spend more time indoors. Those interested in booking a booster appointment at three months since their previous dose must call either the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) or the HPPH booking line. Details are below.
Also, as of Sept. 26, the new paediatric Pfizer vaccine will be another vaccine available for children ages six months to under five years old. This vaccine was approved by Health Canada on Sept. 9.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for infants and children aged six months to under five years, including those who are immunocompromised, is a three-dose primary series, with a recommended dosing interval of eight weeks between doses.
Mixing products for an infant or child’s primary series doses is not recommended. Infants and young children should receive the same product for all their primary series doses, whether it is Pfizer or Moderna.
Book your appointment for an HPPH clinic:
- online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
- by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900, or
- by calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 (open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Individuals who would like to receive their bivalent booster between three months and the recommended six-month interval, or who otherwise have difficulty booking their appointment online, should call the PVCC or the HPPH booking line to make an appointment.
HPPH has opened up clinics to Oct. 29. Dates and locations, as well as walk-in opportunities, are available at www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated.
