Updated COVID-19 vaccine available next month, Sudbury’s health unit says
Vulnerable populations in the area covered by Public Health Sudbury & Districts will be eligible for an updated COVID-19 vaccine in October.
Similar to the pandemic, the vaccines will be rolled out in stages, with the most vulnerable populations receiving the shot first.
“Public Health is planning to offer COVID-19 and flu shots to the general public beginning later in October,” the health unit said in a news release Thursday.
“Individuals are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointments as soon are they are eligible.”
Vaccinations of at-risk groups will begin the week of Oct. 2.
COVID-19 cases have been rising in recent weeks as a new variant – which makes people sicker – spreads across the globe. In Sudbury, there are about 20 people currently in hospital with the disease.
The latest vaccine provides greater protection against the Omicron XBB subvariants. The XBB.1.5-containing mRNA vaccine is Health Canada-approved for people aged six months of age and older.
For the month of October, officials will focus on vaccinating hospital staff and patients, LTC staff and residents and people at high-risk for COVID-19 complications or hospitalizations.
The flu shot will also initially be prioritized for high-risk populations. COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations will be available to those aged six months and older beginning later in October.
Participating pharmacies and primary care providers may also offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The influenza vaccine will be available at many locations such as local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices.
“Staying up to date on vaccines is especially important heading into fall and winter,” medical officer of health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe is quoted as saying in the release.
“As we gather indoors for work and school, it is important that we do as much as we can to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization ... Consider wearing a mask, particularly if you are at higher risk of severe infection.”
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
The health unit said it “strongly” recommends eligible individuals get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
Click here to book your COVID-19 appointment, or call 705-522-9200, toll-free 1-866-522-9200.
The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays. In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Public Health Sudbury & District offices will be closed Sept. 29.
For those interested in booking a flu shot only, call 705-522-9200, ext. 0. Where possible, Public Health plans to offer opportunities for clients to receive both COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines at the same time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.