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
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
DEVELOPING Israel says Hamas deal is 'far' from meeting its demands as Rafah offensive looms
Israel said the terms of a ceasefire deal Hamas accepted on Monday remained 'far from' meeting its demands and warned its military operations in Rafah would continue, even as it sent negotiators to talk to mediators.
2024 Met Gala: Everything to know about fashion's annual soiree
Fashion's biggest night out — hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York each year on the first Monday of May — is both a forever-evolving spectacle and a carefully crafted event.
Concern over speeding in Fredericton neighbourhood grows after 2 teens, young adult killed in crash
Three people – including two teens – are dead, and two others are injured after a crash that has left a greater Fredericton community shaken.