The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is now offering the Moderna Spikevax bivalent vaccine as a booster dose to increase protection against COVID-19’s Omicron variant.
The Government of Ontario announced the rollout of bivalent booster doses earlier this morning, after guidance from both Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). As outlined in the Government’s statement, those who are eligible can begin receiving doses of the bivalent booster vaccine starting today, with expanded eligibility for anyone over the age of 18 coming into effect in two weeks from today on September 26th.
Anyone who has not had a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine must receive the monovalent Moderna Spikevax or Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine to complete their primary vaccine series before being eligible to receive a booster dose.
Those who are eligible can receive booster doses of the bivalent vaccine at the Health Unit’s Western Fair Agriplex and Caradoc Community Centre Mass Vaccination Clinics. Appointments are required to receive a dose of bivalent vaccine at these locations, and can be booked at www.covidvaccinelm.ca or by calling 226-289-3560. The bivalent vaccine is also available at the Health Unit’s Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics. Visit www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine-clinics for a list of clinic locations and times. Walk-ins are still welcome for primary (first and second) doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
In order to help meet the expected demand for the bivalent vaccine, the MLHU is also extending operations at the Caradoc Community Centre Mass Vaccination Clinic. Starting today, the clinic in Mount Brydges will be open Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The recommended interval at which a bivalent booster dose can be administered is six months after an individual completed their primary vaccine series or received their most recent booster dose. Individuals who have had COVID-19 or have tested positive on a PCR or rapid-antigen test must wait a minimum of three months before receiving a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine.
Reminder: there is no parking in the lot next to the Agriplex on the south side of Florence Street, due to the 2022 Western Fair. This lot will remain closed until Tuesday, September 20th. During this time, limited free parking is available in the parking lot on the north side of Florence Street.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519 663-5317, ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit