The EOHU recommends everyone get the updated COVID vaccine, as it provides better protection against recent variants.
According to a press release from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), the new COVID-19 XBB vaccines will be available at vaccination clinics and participating pharmacies and physicians starting this week. The vaccine will be available for everyone aged 6 months and over if it has been at least 6 months since their last dose or a known COVID-19 infection.
The updated vaccines protect against the XBB.1.5. Omicron subvariant and other related subvariants currently circulating in the community. The new vaccine formula gives a stronger immune response to more recent variants, and the EOHU recommends that everyone aged 6 months and over receive it no matter their vaccination history.
“As COVID-19 is now one of the normally circulating viruses in the community, I encourage everyone to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine as it will help prevent infections from Omicron subvariants and protect against severe illness,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU. “We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in our region and receiving the COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine is an important step in keeping our community healthy this respiratory illness season.”
The EOHU will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals by appointment only. The shots will be given at community-based clinics, and the flu shot will be offered at the same time. Appointments can be booked online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
