Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Sept. 12, 2022
The province has announced that the adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, known as a “bivalent” vaccine, is now available to select high-risk individuals. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will be receiving a small number of doses of the bivalent vaccine from the province in the coming days, but due to limited supplies HPEPH will initially be prioritizing available bivalent vaccine for residents and workers at identified highest-risk facilities.
Due to limited supply, other eligible individuals CANNOT book an appointment in HPEC for bivalent vaccine through the provincial booking system at this time, however vaccine clinics in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties will continue to offer monovalent vaccines (the same mRNA vaccines given as the primary series) for all eligible individuals.
HPEPH thanks all residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to deliver the bivalent vaccine to our most vulnerable residents as efficiently and effectively as possible. As increasing quantities of the bivalent vaccine become available, appointments will be offered at HPEPH clinics, as well as at local pharmacies, for eligible individuals.
What is a bivalent vaccine?
The bivalent vaccine includes messenger RNA (mRNA) components of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant. It is authorized for use as a booster dose in individuals 18 years of age or older. Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
Clinical trials showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. It was also found to generate a good immune response against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants and is expected to extend the durability of protection.
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Keeping COVID-19 vaccinations up-to-date, including getting booster doses as recommended, will help protect you against serious illness and other complications of COVID-19 infection.
Book a monovalent booster
Residents are encouraged to get an available booster vaccine as soon as possible – and not postpone their booster while waiting for availability of the bivalent vaccine. It is expected to be several weeks until there is adequate supply for the general population and getting a monovalent booster will offer good protection going into the fall respiratory virus season. Book appointments for a monovalent booster at HPEPH vaccine clinics by visiting hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking.
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Media contacts
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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