The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in the region.
The Northwestern Health Unit is now offering the new booster to eligible people at their clinics, and the public is urged to book an appointment for their shot.
Those eligible include:
-People aged 70+
-Indigenous people aged 18+ and their household members aged 18+
-Health care workers
-Long term care and congregate settings
-Retirement homes/Elder care lodges
-Immunocompromised people aged 12+
-Pregnant people
The vaccine will be available to anyone over the age of 18 starting September 26.
Health officials say the booster helps protect people from the original strain and the Omicron variant.
Those getting a booster dose should wait at least three months since their last COVID-19 vaccine.
Meantime, children and youth aged 5-17 can now receive a booster dose, however, not the bivalent vaccine formula.
In addition, the Health Unit continues to offer first, and second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who is eligible, which now includes children aged 6 months and older.
Appointments can be made at Northwestern Health Unit Booking Information Page or by visiting a local pharmacy.
Officials note that this year’s influenza vaccine is not yet available.
They are usually rolled out in October.
