Halton Public Health offering new COVID-19 booster now in Oakville, Burlington, Milton

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Published September 13, 2022 at 10:30 am

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The newest COVID-19 booster shot has begun rolling out in Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills.

The following high-risk groups can book an appointment for the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose through Halton’s online booking system:

  • residents 70 years of age and older
  • health care workers 18 years and older
  • residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted living and health services
  • moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over
  • pregnant individuals 18 years and older
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over

This bivalent COVID-19 booster targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron (BA.1) variant — the first COVID-19 vaccine to target a specific strain of the virus.

“The Health Canada approved Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster dose is a great way to gain additional protection against the COVID-19 Omicron variants, especially as we head into the colder months,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health.

“In addition to staying up to date on all vaccines available, please stay home when you are sick. Residents are also encouraged to wear masks in indoor and crowded settings. Thank you for continuing to take steps to protect yourself, those who are most at risk for severe illness and the community.”

To receive the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose, eligible individuals must have completed their primary series (usually two doses) of COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that individuals receive the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose six months (or 168 days) after either completing their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or having COVID-19 infection, however, the minimum interval is three months.

All bivalent COVID-19 booster doses at Halton Region Community Clinics will be offered by appointment only. Appointments will continue to be added as supply is confirmed and residents are asked to check back regularly.

Residents can continue to receive first, second and regular booster doses (monovalent) of the COVID-19 vaccine at Halton Region Vaccination Clinics, Provincial GO-VAXX bus stops, participating pharmacies and many primary care providers. Please contact these locations before visiting to confirm availability.

Bivalent COVID-19 booster doses are also being distributed starting this week to long-term care home and retirement home partners in Halton for administration on-site.

To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including eligibility for the bivalent booster dose and how to book an appointment, please visit here.

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