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On Monday, September 12, Public Health Sudbury & Districts announced that Moderna’s new bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is now available for certain eligible groups in the Sudbury and Manitoulin regions, and by September 26, it will be available to anyone over the age of 18 have completed the two-dose primary vaccine series.

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The bivalent vaccine is designed to provide protection against COVID-19 infection, including the Omicron variant. Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, MD for PHSD, encourages those who are eligible to get their booster dose of the vaccine. “Many people have not received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or it has been more than six months since their last vaccination.” This fall is a time when cases of COVID-19 are expected to increase. “Getting a fall bivalent booster will boost your immunity at a time when cases of COVID-19 are expected to increase, along with other respiratory illnesses. Booster doses are safe and work.” From September 12 to 25, the vaccine is intended for those at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, as well as health care workers. By September 26, it is expected that there will be sufficient vaccine supplies to offer the vaccine to everyone aged 18 and over.

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Groups currently eligible are long-term care residents, nursing homes, senior care homes, people living in other complexes that provide assisted living and health services. people aged 70 years and older; those aged 12 years and older with moderate to severe immunosuppressive conditions. adults 18 and older who identify as First Nation, Inuit and Métis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 18 and over; pregnant people who are 18 and over; and health care workers who are 18 and over . On September 26, that eligibility will be extended to anyone over the age of 18, “who has, at least, completed the primary course of COVID-19 vaccines (generally, two doses) regardless of the number of booster doses they have received.”

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They will be eligible to make clinic appointments at that time. There will also be a limited number of appointments for the bivalent vaccine for this group from 26 September onwards. There are some recommendations regarding receiving the bivalent vaccine. Public health still advises a six-month interval between receiving a previous COVID-19 vaccine and this new vaccine. However, “Individuals may choose to receive their booster dose after at least three months, with informed consent. A longer time between doses may lead to a better immune response to the next dose.” They also suggest people wait six months after being infected with COVID-19 to get their next dose, although it is still possible to get the vaccine after a three-month gap, with informed consent.

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Public health also stresses that the elderly and people with underlying illnesses should receive a bivalent booster dose as soon as possible, regardless of the number of doses they have previously received. The bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine containing Moderna is preferred for fall boosters over the initial monovalent mRNA vaccines for adults 18 years of age and older. Those getting the flu shot can also get it at the same time as the bivalent boosters or other vaccines for COVID-19. The original monovalent vaccine will still be available for children aged five and over who need a booster shot. It is also the recommended vaccine for all people six months of age and older who cannot receive the double dose. Appointments can be made online after September 26 by visiting covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or by calling 705-522-9200 (toll-free: 1-866-522-9200) between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit phsd.ca to learn more about current COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and dosing schedule. Metro Creative

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