Public Health Says Everyone Eligible Should Get Covid Booster

Jeff Green | Sep 28, 2022

Back in the early summer, when 4th COVID boosters became available for people 59 and under in the Province of Ontario, Dr. Piotr Oglaza and Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health (KFLPAPH) offered some nuanced advice to residents.

“Those recommendations were based on the current risk of transmission and the overall risk of COVID-19 in specific age groups,” KFLAPH communications officer Jenn Fagan said, in an email interview last week. “but heading into the fall season, and the availability of the bivalent vaccine, we recommend those eligible, should get the bivalent booster.”

The bivalent booster offers protection against the original COVID virus and some of the Omicron variants as well, and Ontario residents over 18 are eligible for the shot.

“The bivalent COVID-19 booster may also be offered to youth 12 to 17 years of age with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions that place them at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19,” she added.

“KFL&A Public Health encourages all residents, aged five and over, to receive all COVID-19 vaccine they are eligible for. The sooner individuals receive a booster, the more protection they will have moving into the fall. “

As of this week, the booster is widely available. Individuals can receive the booster at a recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.

The bivalent booster roll-out will over-lap with the seasonal flu shot campaign, which gets underway next month.

“Similar to the previous 2 years, the flu vaccine will be available to those 6 months and older. The influenza vaccine will rollout in phases, available first to those at high risk, and then become available to the general public,” said Fagan.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that for individuals 5 years and older, COVID vaccines may given at the same time, or at any time before or after non-COVID vaccines, so there is no need to worry about the timing of the two shots. The advice is different for those 5 and under, who must have a 14 day interval between the different types of vaccine.

KLFPH points out as well that “Individuals can help protect themselves and loved ones from the flu by getting your flu vaccine early. It can take up to two weeks before the vaccine provides protection against the flu.”

Flu shots provide protection not only for the individual who takes the shot, but also by slowing the spread of the seasonal virus, they protect those who are most vulnerable as well, such as children under five, adults 65 years or older, pregnant women, as well as those living with chronic health conditions.

KLFAPH expects to see an increase in COVID cases as part of the winter circulatory virus season.

“This year we are also likely to see an increase in seasonal respiratory viruses compared to 2020 and 2021 as the reduction in social interactions we experienced during those years also limited exposure and transmission of all seasonal viruses. This may result in a more severe respiratory illness season, “ Fagan said.

KFLAPH’s messaging continued to focus on the same measures they have been promoting ever since all mandatory COVID restrictions were dropped: “stay home if sick, stay up to date with all recommended vaccinations, practice frequent hand hygiene, and wear a mask for ten days after experiencing any respiratory illness, and when it's right for you.”

COVID activity has remained steady in KFL&A over the month of September.