Ontario is opening appointments for everyone 12 years of age and older to receive an Omicron-targeted COVID-19 vaccine starting next week.
With the province expected to receive its first shipments of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine from the federal government this week, Ontarians aged 12 to 17 will be able to book an appointment starting Monday, the Ministry of Health said.
“We are entering the fall season where we traditionally see an increase in cases of respiratory illness, including COVID-19,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a news release Thursday.
“Vaccines improve your immune response and reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and post-infection symptoms.”
The province made the bivalent vaccine available to its most vulnerable populations earlier this month.
The ministry has said the recommended wait between doses is six months from the last booster dose, but the minimum interval is 84 days.
“We encourage Ontarians to stay current on their COVID-19 vaccines at the appropriate interval since their last dose and to get an annual flu shot when available,” said Moore.
From November 1, flu vaccines will also be available and can be safely given at the same time, or at any time before or after the COVID-19 vaccine, the ministry said.