An updated COVID-19 vaccine that targets a specific Omicron subvariant will begin going into the arms of residents of London and Middlesex County Friday.
The Middlesex London Health Unit has announced it will be offering the Moderna Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant COVID-19 vaccine at the Western Fair vaccination clinic at 11 a.m. The vaccine, which was given Health Canada approval last month, is currently only available to high-risk individuals and health-care workers. That includes residents and staff of long-term care and retirement homes, pregnant women, seniors, First Nation, Inuit or Métis community members, health-care workers and first responders, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Appointments are required to receive the shot, as walk-ins will not be permitted Friday or Saturday. Those wanting to receive the vaccine can book an appointment online at www.covidvaccinelm.ca or by calling 226-289-3560 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding Thanksgiving Monday.
Alternatively, eligible individuals can receive the COVID-19 vaccine through their primary health care provider or participating pharmacies, the health unit said.
The rollout of the updated vaccine comes as key indicators confirm COVID activity has increased in the region over the last few weeks. The health unit said it has seen a rise in test positivity, wastewater surveillance, outbreaks, and hospitalizations.
On Tuesday, the health unit also confirmed its first local case of influenza A - another sign respiratory illnesses are once again circulating.
"Based on what we have seen in the Southern hemisphere and what we are beginning to see locally, we are expecting this respiratory season to be more severe than one’s prior to COVID-19,” said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the region's associate medical officer of health. “As we begin to see this increased activity of respiratory viruses, we ask you to consider your risk and recommend the following tools to ensure you are protected through the respiratory season: getting your fall vaccines (COVID-19 and influenza), masking in public indoor environments, washing your hands often, and staying home if you are unwell.”
Residents in Elgin and Oxford counties who are over the age of 65, are pregnant and those who are immune suppressed will be able to receive the subvariant COVID-19 vaccine beginning Wednesday, October 11.
Clinics will be located at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock and 1230 Talbot Street in Street in St. Thomas. Appointments can be made by calling 1-833-943-3900 or booking online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.
Flu shots are currently being offered to high-risk Ontarians, including those most vulnerable to influenza and/or COVID-19-related complications or hospitalization, health care workers, and first responders. Availability will open up to the general public starting October 30. The health unit said the shot can be accessed through doctor's offices and pharmacies and is safe to receive at the same time or anytime before or after the COVID-19 vaccine.
