On Oct. 7, Health Canada approved the use of a second bivalent vaccine, which can be used for people aged 12 and up. Manitoba Health is now expanding eligibility for the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to include anyone aged 12 or older.
Adults may receive either a Moderna or a Pfizer bivalent booster dose. Children aged 12 to 17 will receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine because it is the only one approved for that age group.
The province expects to receive the new Pfizer bivalent vaccine by the end of this week. It will then ship it to clinics, pharmacies and vaccine sites across Manitoba. Delivery dates may vary, so while it may be available in vaccine sites earlier, the Pfizer bivalent vaccine is expected to be at most vaccine locations by Oct. 24.
The province is updating how vaccination appointments are booked using the province’s online booking tool or the call centre, to help make it simpler going into the fall season. Individuals will make a generic vaccination appointment, based on their age, and then can receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine, seasonal flu vaccine, or both at the appointment.
Appointments for newly eligible people aged 12 to 17 can be booked using the online booking tool, by contacting the vaccine call centre at (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting medical clinics and pharmacies directly. When booking for this age group, make an appointment for the week of Oct. 24 to ensure the appropriate vaccine will be in stock.
Both bivalent vaccines have been developed to provide protection against two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus and the omicron variant (either BA.1 or BA.4/5). Compared to those who were boosted with the original vaccine, people who received an omicron-containing bivalent vaccine had a better immune response against omicron. This is why public health recommends people who are due for a booster should get the bivalent vaccine. Boosters are also important because protection against COVID-19, either from previous immunizations or an infection, decreases over time.
As of Oct. 12, 55,109 doses of bivalent vaccine have been administered in Manitoba and entered in the provincial immunization registry.
The monovalent (original) vaccine continues to be available as a fall booster for children aged five to 11 and individuals who do not wish to receive the bivalent vaccine.
