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
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus survives vote calling for his ouster
Greg Fergus survived a vote to oust him as House of Commons Speaker on Tuesday, but with close to half of MPs expressing a loss of confidence in him, he faces a precarious path forward in maintaining order in Parliament.
'It was hell': Israeli mother held hostage with her children describes 51 days in captivity
Hagar Brodutch, her three children and four-year-old neighbour were kidnapped by Hamas-led militants from their home in Kfar Aza, Israel on Oct. 7 and held for 51 days. They were released in November, but Brodutch says her thoughts are never far from those still being held in Gaza.
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
P.E.I. kiteboarder 'lucky to be alive' after shark attack in Turks and Caicos
A professional kiteboarder from P.E.I. says he has been seriously injured in a shark attack that occurred while he was snorkelling in the Turks and Caicos Islands last week.
Teen dies after being hit by train in N.W. Calgary
A teenager has died after being hit by a train in northwest Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.
Black bear kebabs make family sick with parasitic worms
It was supposed to be a celebration, but one family’s unique meal of black bear meat sent several members to the hospital instead.
'It's his vacation too': Jimmy the baby goat joins 2-week road trip across Canada
After Jimmy the baby goat was shunned by his mother, a New Brunswick man took the kid on a two-week road trip across Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
New COVID-19 subvariants become the dominant strains in Canada
More than four years after COVID-19 effectively shut down the world, two new variants of COVID-19 have become the dominant strains of the novel coronavirus in Canada.