All Ontario adults can get bivalent Omicron-targeted vaccine today

Starting today, adults in Ontario can book an appointment to receive an Omicron-targeted COVID-19 vaccine.

The province first rolled out the bivalent vaccine on Sept. 12 to its most vulnerable populations, including people over 70 and residents of long-term care homes, among others.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says getting a booster dose is especially important with the start of the fall and winter respiratory illness season.

The Ministry of Health recommends getting the latest booster dose at least six months after the last shot, but the minimum interval is 84 days.

Ontario is also opening appointments for children between six months and five years old to receive the new pediatric vaccine from Pfizer, offering an alternative to the Moderna shot in use since July.

New appointments for both adults and children can be booked through the province’s online portal, regional public health unit booking systems, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating health-care providers and pharmacies.