Canadians 18 years of age and older are now able to get an additional layer of protection against COVID-19.
As of Sept. 26, all adults are eligible to receive the bivalent booster, which Barrie pharmacist Abdul Albash told BarrieToday contains protection for both the original COVID-19 virus as well as the more recent Omicron variant.
“It gives you coverage for both of those two strains,” said Albash, who owns and operates the Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy in Georgian Mall. “This is what gives it the upper hand (over) the other vaccines.
“The immunity, according to Health Canada, (from) a COVID vaccine reduces with time so it would be another booster, plus it has another vaccine for the new variant because Omicron is circulating very fast in Canada. You need a booster to keep fighting the virus,” he added.
While Albash noted potential side-effects vary, they would be no different than previous doses: headache, fatigue, slight fever or headache.
Albash said his location received their first shipment in mid-September and doesn’t anticipate there being any issues maintaining a supply for those who want to come in for their booster.
“We have seen a couple of hundred people have got the vaccine already for the bivalent,” he said, adding appointments can easily be made online.
Individuals are eligible for the booster at a minimum of three months after their previous dose or otherwise indicated by the Ontario Ministry of Health, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
“COVID is not gone yet, so we need to take every measure we can in order to protect ourselves and loved ones from this virus,” he said.
Mary Ann Holmes, acting assistant vice-president, immunization, with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, told BarrieToday the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine provides people 18 years old and up with a booster, while also providing them with broader protection against Omicron variants.
"As we head into the fall respiratory season, it is recommended that people get any COVID-19 vaccine doses they are currently eligible for. Those who are 70 years of age and older, or immunocompromised are strongly recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they can, which is as early as three months since their last dose or infection, to protect themselves this fall as people spend more time indoors," she said.
With the start of the respiratory illness season, it is especially important to make sure people stay up to date with their vaccines, Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones, who is also the minister of health, said in a news release.
“COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are the best tool to keep people healthy and out of hospitals, and to ensure Ontario’s economy stays open as kids go back to school and as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors," she said.
All COVID vaccinations, including the new bivalent booster, are available via appointment at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacies across Ontario and can be booked online by clicking here.
