The campaign is launching with a focus on vulnerable groups, including health workers, the clinically extremely vulnerable, indigenous peoples and the elderly. 2:01 Fall reinforcement campaign kicks into high gear in BC. And for the first time, a bivalent version of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine will be available in adults. Story continues below ad

		Read more: When can you get an Omicron amplifier?  See how the provinces are performing 		
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			When can you get an Omicron amp?  See how the provinces are performing

“It’s a vaccine specifically designed to be more effective against Omicron variants. It’s half and half — half the old vaccine, half Omicron-specific vaccine,” explained Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Center. “If you have problems with the mRNA vaccine, (traditionally prepared) Novavax and Johnson and Johnson are also available if you let them know that’s your choice. There’s no reason not to get vaccinated.” Trending Stories

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Young people aged 12 to 17 will be offered the original Pfizer or Moderna vaccine formulations, while children aged five to 11 will be offered the milder pediatric version of these vaccines. Story continues below ad The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that people receive the bivalent booster at least six months after their last dose or infection with COVID-19. However, people at higher risk may need an earlier dose. Adults will be able to book their double-sided souvenir as soon as they receive an instant text message, but children and young people can book at any time. The province said it has already sent out 600,000 text alerts and has 400,000 doses of the new vaccines on hand.

		Read more: Omicron-tailored COVID-19 vaccines: Could updated shots prevent a wave of decline?

Pfizer’s version of a bivalent vaccine is expected to receive Health Canada approval later this fall, and BC’s health ministry says shipments could begin next week if the vaccine gets the green light. Starting in October, the COVID vaccines will be co-administered with flu shots. With COVID now endemic in Canada, according to BC’s health minister, Conway said it’s possible that fall booster shots — scheduled before respiratory disease season — will likely become an annual event. “In the long term it will likely be annual COVID shots. This is the first of them,” he said. “As the flu vaccine changes each year, taking into account the strains of flu we expect to see next winter.” © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.