Ontario residents between the ages of five and 11 will soon be eligible for a COVID-19 bivalent booster shot.
The Ontario government said Thursday that eligibility is being expanded to that age group as of December 21.
On December 9, Health Canada authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Omicron BA.4/BA.5 bivalent-adapted booster for children ages five through 11. Appointments will be available for this age group starting December 21. Anyone age 12 or older is already eligible for the booster shot, and has been since October.
Generally, booster shots are recommended every six months, but some high-risk individuals should get a dose every three months or so. Bivalent booster shots help build immunity to the original COVID-19 virus as well as newer variants that are currently circulating, according to the Ministry of Health.
The provincial government is also recommending the flu vaccine for anyone six months of age and older, stating that the flu shot can be given safely anytime before, during, or after a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
“As the weather gets colder and more people spend time with their loved ones indoors this holiday season, vaccination remains the most effective way we can protect ourselves from the most serious effects of COVID-19 and influenza,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. “Vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and its variants and will help ease pressures on our hospitals and emergency departments.”
Vaccination appointments can be made through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre. Some public health units, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and other health care providers may accept bookings, as well.