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Booster targeting Omicron variant available for priority groups

Appointments are required
CambridgeToday Staff
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NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
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Starting today, the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is available in Waterloo Region for individuals in certain priority groups. A booster dose of this bivalent vaccine will provide added protection during the fall and winter months when the community transmission of COVID-19 is expected to increase due to more time spent indoors and a seasonal increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses.

Any individual who falls within one of the following groups can book an appointment for a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine as long as it has been six months since their last dose:

  • Residents of long-term care homes, retirement care homes, Elder Care Lodges and adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
  • Individuals aged 70 and older
  • Individuals who are 12 years and older with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions (based on clinical discretion)
  • Adults 18 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 years and older
  • Pregnant individuals aged 18 years and older
  • Health care workers aged 18 years and older

Appointments are required. For an appointment at a regional vaccination clinic, please use the provincial portal: How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment (ontario.ca). Pregnant individuals, health care workers or those requiring more assistance in booking an appointment should call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900.

On Monday, September 26, eligibility for a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine will open up to anyone 18 years of age and older. Public Health is in the process of increasing the number regional vaccination clinic locations and appointments available to respond to the initial demand. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Health Canada has approved the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for adults 18 and older as long as it has been six months since a previous dose. A booster dose of the bivalent vaccine has been shown to trigger a strong immune response against the original Omicron virus strain (BA.1) and its subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. It is strongly recommended for anyone who is at high risk of serious outcomes including hospitalization, admission to the ICU and death.

Information about the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine is available at:
Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine - Canada.ca

For up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility, clinic locations and hours, please visit: regionofwaterloo.ca/getavaccine.  

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