MEDICAL ADVISORY: COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine   

Issued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner (Acting)

As we approach the fall respiratory virus season and an increase in COVID-19 transmission, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations recommends that all persons age 12 and older be offered a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, no matter how many booster doses of vaccine they may have previously had.

Certain higher risk groups in Ontario are eligible to receive a COVID-19 bivalent booster dose now. The Moderna Spikevax bivalent is the recommended vaccine booster for patients 18 years and older, including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, as it targets both the original COVID-19 virus and Omicron (BA.1) variant.

Those eligible as of Sept. 12 include:

• Adults 70 years of age and older
• Immunocompromised individuals who are 12 years of age and older
• Residents of congregate settings
• Healthcare workers
• Pregnant individuals
• First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals and their household members 18+

As of Sept. 26, all individuals aged 18 years and older will be eligible to receive a Moderna Spikevax bivalent booster dose. Persons receiving their primary series, or immunocompetent children age 12-17 seeking a booster dose should continue to receive one of the original COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Booster dose(s) are recommended six months after a previous COVID-19 vaccine or a COVID-19 infection, but a minimum 84 days interval may be considered.

• 50 mcg dose for all eligible individuals
• Can be given at the same time as, or any interval before or after, any another vaccine (including influenza vaccine)
• Eligible individuals can receive one bivalent booster dose this fall, regardless of how many booster doses have previously been received

How to offer COVID-19 vaccine in your practice

• Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Program webpage or email HCPengagement@niagararegion.ca with any questions
• Protect your eligible staff and patients by offering COVID-19 vaccination in your office

More information

• See Getting Vaccinated and Staying Up to Date for personalized recommendations by group
• NACI: Recommendations on the use of bivalent Omicron containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
• Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance