WELLINGTON COUNTY – Beginning Sept. 26, a Moderna bivalent vaccine targeting Omicron will be available to all Ontarians who are at least 18 years old.
Health Canada’s approval of the Moderna vaccine was previously announced on Sept. 1.
This follows news the vaccine would be made available soonest for those 70 and over, residents of congregate settings, Indigenous persons, immunocompromised people aged 12 and over, pregnant women, and health care workers.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health medical officer of health Dr. Nicola Mercer said in a Sept. 12 press release the “new booster will help protect the most vulnerable members of our community right away, and all of us as we become eligible.”
Mercer stated the health unit is “confident” vaccine shipments will increase through the rest of the year, “making it very likely that anyone who wants access to the vaccine can get it in the coming weeks.”
The medical officer of health is encouraging eligible residents to receive the vaccine.
“Vaccines are still our best protection against the most severe COVID-19 outcomes,” she said.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore is also advocating for residents to get booster doses.
“As vaccine protection decreases over time, I encourage all Ontarians aged five and over to receive the booster dose they are eligible for,” he stated in a Sept. 12 press release.
Appointments are currently being booked for everyone over 18, and can be made now by calling 1-800-265-7293 (dial extension 7006). Online booking becomes available Sept. 26.
Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at least six months after their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
