Today, the Province of Ontario has approved the use of the new Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 booster for all Ontarians (18+) beginning on September 26, 2022. This booster is a bivalent vaccine (a two-part vaccine that targets the original strain of COVID, as well as the Omicron variant, BA.1).
The Province has identified the following vulnerable populations for immediate eligibility:
- Individuals aged 70 and over
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over
- Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over
- Pregnant individuals aged 18 and over
- Health care workers aged 18 and over
“This is an important next step in our COVID-19 vaccination capabilities,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “This new booster will help protect the most vulnerable members of our community right away, and all of us as we become eligible. We are confident that shipments of vaccine will continue to increase throughout September and beyond, making it very likely that anyone who wants access to the vaccine can get it in the coming weeks. I encourage every resident of the region to get vaccinated and stay up to date – vaccines are still our best protection against the most severe COVID-19 outcomes.”
Eligible residents can contact the WDG Public Health call centre (1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006) to book an appointment. Online booking will be available beginning the week of September 26.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376