Public health officials in the North tell CTV News they had advised people to consider waiting for Moderna’s updated bivalent booster vaccine, as it is more effective against the Omicron variant.
Now that it’s being rolled out across the region, with priority given to the most at-risk groups and health workers, experts hope more people will be boosted.
“The bivalent vaccine will provide greater protection against the strains currently circulating,” said Kendra Luxmore, the Porcupine Health Unit’s COVID-19 planning officer.
“Which is certainly what we want to see this fall, where we expect to see higher case rates.”
The bivalent booster targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the first Omicron variant that emerged late last year.
According to regional health data, 50 to 60 percent of eligible people received the first booster dose that targets only the original strain but still offers some protection against Omicron.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) director of COVID-19 planning, Nastassia McNair, said the new vaccine is proving to be more effective.
“Studies show that when given as a second booster dose, the bivalent vaccine is demonstrating a higher antibody response against the virus, at that time,” McNair said.
Anyone can reserve a spot for the booster now, but health officials are asking those in good health to wait until Sept. 26, when it will be more widely available to the general public.
The current COVID-19 situation in the Northeast is experiencing 28 active high-risk outbreaks, as of Friday. This breaks down into:
- 17 in Greater Sudbury
- Five in Algoma
- Five in the Porcupine Health District
- One in North Bay-Parry Sound
Although testing data is limited, officials expect the virus will likely circulate more in the coming weeks and it’s best to be prepared.
Health experts recommend people wait at least six months after their last vaccination or infection with COVID-19 to give their immune system a better boost, although people are eligible for a boost after three months.
“It’s essential that we protect ourselves, protect our community, wear masks (and) follow this guidance, as necessary,” Luxmore said.