Bivalent booster available as COVID spread no longer decreasing in Hamilton
More targeted protection against Omicron is coming at the same time COVID spread has stopped decreasing in Hamilton.
The bivalent booster - that targets both Omicron and the original COVID virus - is available to Ontarians age 18 and over starting Monday.
Also on Monday, a Pfizer vaccine will be an option for children aged six months to five-years-old.
Hamilton doesn't use the province's booking tool so go to hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine for appointments.
The increased vaccine eligibility comes as COVID spread has levelled off in Hamilton in the latest update from public health on Sept. 21. Transmission had been decreasing up until now.
COVID-19 transmission in Hamilton is moderate and stable," stated the report. The number of reported cases, new COVID-19 hospitalizations, new COVID-19 ICU admissions, test positivity, and wastewater signal have all stabilized over the past two weeks."
The city had 18 active outbreaks in high-risk settings as of Sept 23. The largest was at Revera Baywoods Place Long-Term Care Home where 49 have been infected since Aug. 24.
In addition there are three hospital outbreaks, which add strain during a time of unprecedented overcrowding, backlogs and staffing shortages.
Vaccination is important to protecting the health care system as Scarsin Forecasting has twice increased its prediction of how many Hamiltonians will be hospitalized in the seventh wave due to lower than expected uptake of shots.
The latest forecast estimates 553 new hospital admissions for COVID from Sept. 19 to Dec. 31 compared to its last estimate of 495 from Aug. 31 to Dec. 31. Both are up from an August forecast of 323.
Those most at risk from COVID - people 70 and over as well as those 12-plus who are immunocompromised - are strongly recommended to get a bivalent booster three months (84 days) after their previous dose. All other adults are recommended to wait six months (168 days) but can choose to get the booster at three months.
The Pfizer vaccine for kids age six months to five years is a three-dose series. It's not recommended to mix Moderna and Pfizer shots for this age.
To speak to health professionals about COVID vaccines call 1-833-943-3900 or book an appointment at shn.ca/vaxfacts or sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult.
Joanna Frketich is a health reporter at The Spectator. jfrketich@thespec.com