MEMO: COVID Updates

TO: Health Care Professionals in the Niagara Region

FROM: Vaccine Preventable Disease and Infection Disease programs, Niagara Region Public Health

REFERENCE: COVID Updates

DATE: October 9, 2024

This memo contains updates about COVID-19 vaccines and changes to the provincial antigen testing program.

COVID-19 vaccine update

Vaccination with an updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended this fall to better protect against the currently circulating variants. Individuals can receive their fall 2024 dose as long as it has been three to six months since they were last vaccinated. Those with known infection may consider delaying vaccination. Please discuss the best timing with your patients based on your clinical judgement.

The Ontario Ministry of Health initiated the Ontario program with the updated Moderna vaccine, followed by Pfizer. Novavax will not be available in Ontario for the 2024/2025 season.
- Moderna KP.2 will be the only product available for use in children 6 months to 11 years of age
- Moderna and Pfizer KP.2 products can be used for individuals 12 years of age and older
Vaccine is currently being distributed for high-risk and priority populations. Vaccine for the general population will be eligible starting Oct 28 based on product availability.
Refer to the health care provider fact sheet for COVID-19 immunization schedules
COVID-19 vaccine administration sites approved by Niagara Region Public Health can use the COVID-19 vaccine order form. Email COVaxON Support if your office would like to administer COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 test eligibility updates

The province has updated COVID-19 test eligibility (inclusive of both rapid antigen tests and PCR testing) to a Test-to-Treat approach
In the community and outside of high-risk settings, publicly funded COVID-19 testing will only be available to Ontarians eligible for COVID-19 treatment (i.e., symptomatic individuals who are immunocompromised, or 65 years of age or older, or those with high-risk medical conditions)
Please note that as a result of these changes, Niagara Region Public Health offices are no longer distributing COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits
The antigen test ordering pathway for eligible health system partners will continue to be through the PPE Supply Portal. For assistance in creating an account or accessing an existing account, or for any questions about orders and shipment, please contact Sco.Supplies@supplyontario.ca.
- Please note that the distribution of free rapid antigen tests under this program is voluntary and will not be reimbursed by the Ontario Government. Rapid antigen tests ordered from the PPE Supply Portal, if distributed, must be distributed free-of-charge.

For more information

See COVID-19 vaccine program for the most up to date vaccine and storage and handling guidance
Visit Immunization, Vaccine for Health Professionals
For any other questions, call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396
COVID‑19 testing and treatment | ontario.ca