Bivalent Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine available for some in Waterloo Region

The Region of Waterloo announced on Monday that the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is available for those who belong to certain groups.

“A booster dose of this bivalent vaccine will provide additional protection during the fall and winter months, when community transmission of COVID-19 is expected to increase due to more time indoors and increased seasonal circulation of respiratory viruses, » the region said in a statement.

The list of people currently eligible includes those who are in long-term care homes or nursing homes, those over the age of 70 and those over the age of 12 who are immunocompromised.

People who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis, as well as those over the age of 18 and those who are pregnant or work in health care are also eligible.

The region says appointments are required to get the booster shots at its vaccination clinics, which can be booked through the province’s online portal.

Pregnant women or healthcare workers who need additional help can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Center (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900.

Health Canada has approved the vaccine as a booster dose for people over the age of 18 provided it has been six months since their previous dose.