Updated bivalent COVID-19 booster rolling out in northern Ont.
Northern public health officials tell CTV News they had been advising people to consider waiting for Moderna's updated bivalent booster shot, since it's more effective against the Omicron variant.
Now that it's rolling out across the region, with priority given to highest risk groups and health care workers, experts hope to see more people getting boosted.
"The bivalent vaccine will provide greater protection against the strains that are currently circulating," said the Porcupine Health Unit's COVID-19 planning manager, Kendra Luxmore.
"Which is certainly what we want to see this fall, where we do 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, between 50 and 60 per cent of eligible people got the first booster dose that targets just the original strain, but still offers some protection against Omicron.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts' (PHSD) COVID-19 planning manager, Nastassia McNair, said the new shot is proving more effective.
"Studies are showing that, when given as the second booster dose, the bivalent vaccine is demonstrating a higher antibody response against the virus, at this point in time," said McNair.
Everyone is able to book a spot for the booster now, but health officials are asking that those in good health wait until Sept. 26, when it will be more widely available to the general public.
The current COVID-19 situation in the northeast is seeing 28 active high-risk outbreaks, as of Friday. That breaks down to:
- 17 in Greater Sudbury
- Five in Algoma
- Five in Porcupine health district
- One in North Bay-Parry Sound
Though testing data is limited, officials expect that the virus will likely circulate more over the coming weeks and that it's best to be prepared.
Health experts advise people to wait at least six months after their last COVID-19 shot or infection to give their immune system a better jumpstart, though people are eligible for the booster after three months.
"It's essential that we protect ourselves, we protect our community, we mask-up (and) follow that guidance, as needed," said Luxmore.
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.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
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.