Hamiltonians can book appointments for bivalent COVID-19 vaccine

Hamilton residents can book appointments to receive the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine that protects against the original strain of the respiratory virus as well as the Omicron variant.

The booster is recommended for those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in six months, or a minimum of three months ago.

Starting Monday, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m., residents ages 18 to 69 can begin receiving the vaccine, while those at higher risk of severe illness from the virus are already eligible to get their shot as of Sept. 12.

High-risk individuals include: long-term-care and retirement home residents; anyone over age 70; immunocompromised adults; First Nations individuals over 18 as well as their household members; pregnant women; and health-care workers.

A City of Hamilton news release said the vaccine rollout follows direction from provincial public health recommendations, and will help strengthen Hamilton's protection against an anticipated surge of virus" in the fall, with Hamiltonians of all ages spending more time indoors in the coming weeks and months."

You can book a booster appointment through the websites of local pharmacies, or Hamilton's online booking tool at hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine up to 14 days in advance.

As for previously booked vaccine appointments through Hamilton's online portal for Sept. 12 through Sept. 25, these will be honoured, said the release, and if available, the bivalent vaccine will be offered."

To book online, eligible residents need an Ontario health card (green photo health card or red and white) and an email address or cellphone number.

Those without this information can call the Public Health Services COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for help at 905-974-9848, option 7. Translation services are available by phone.

As for kids ages six months to 12 years old, the release said public health recommends they stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, but this group is not eligible for a bivalent vaccine.

So far, 84 per cent of Hamiltonians have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 80 per cent a second dose, while 52 per cent of have received a third dose.

For more information, visit hamilton.ca/coronavirus or kidshealthfirst.ca/.

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com