EOHU offering Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccine starting September 12

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will be offering Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine at its vaccination clinics starting on September 12th. Bivalent vaccines provide protection against the original strain of COVID-19 as well as the Omicron BA.1 variant. Preliminary study results indicate that the bivalent vaccine will also provide protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.

Appointments can be booked online at https:// covid-19.ontario.ca/bookvaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 starting on September 12 at 8 am.

Individuals in the following categories will be able to receive their bivalent vaccine starting the week of September 12:

·Individuals aged 70 and up

·Healthcare workers aged 18 and up

·Residents in congregate settings such as longterm care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges, and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services, as well as their essential caregivers

·Moderately to severely immune-compromised individuals aged 12 and up

·Pregnant individuals aged 18 and up

·First Nations and Indigenous populations aged 18 and up, and their partners and household members (including non-Indigenous partners and household members) aged 18 and up

Pregnant individuals and healthcare workers booking from September 12th to the 25th cannot book an appointment online. Appointments must be made through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 or through participating pharmacies.

Individuals aged 18 and over will be able to receive their vaccine starting the week of September 26th. All individuals who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccine series will be eligible to receive the bivalent Omicron booster dose, as long as it has been a minimum of 3 months since they received their last COVID-19 vaccine.

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