Burnaby and New Westminster residents who want to get their COVID-19 bivalent booster now have more places to do so.
Immunization clinics throughout the Fraser Health region are offering COVID-19 booster doses for all eligible age groups, the health authority announced in a press release Thursday.
The Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus from 2019 and the Omicron BA.1 variant. Health Canada approved it for use as a booster dose on Sept. 1.
B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stressed the province is recommending the bivalent booster for every adult in the province to cope with an anticipated surge of COVID-19 later in the fall, likely in November and December.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who’s eligible for a bivalent booster?
Everyone aged 18 or older is eligible to receive the Moderna Omicron (bivalent) vaccine six months after completing either their primary series (two doses) or after their last booster shot.
Appointments are by invitation – you can book yours when your invite arrives through the B.C. Get Vaccinated system. The health authority says invitations will arrive approximately six months after your second dose.
If you have already registered, you will be notified by email, text or phone call when it's your turn to book an appointment for your next dose. If you have not yet received an invite and have questions about when you are eligible, you can call 1-833-838-2323.
Can children and youth get COVID booster shots?
Youth aged 12 to 17 are eligible for a regular fall booster, with the original (not the bivalent) formula. Children aged five to 11 are eligible for a pediatric booster following their initial two-dose series. Those booster doses can be booked by invitation; again, invitations are expected to arrive approximately six months after the second dose.
Children aged six months to four years are not eligible for boosters; they receive the primary series only.
Where can I get my COVID vaccine?
Fraser Health is offering COVID immunizations at its multi-age clinics throughout the region. Locally, Burnaby residents can check out the clinic at 6515 Bonsor Ave.
There’s no multi-age clinic in New Westminster; the closest options are Burnaby, Coquitlam (640 Poirier St.) and Surrey North (10025 King George Blvd.).
Those aged 12 and up can also book first, second and booster doses through community pharmacies – when you’re invited through the provincial booking system, you can check a list of options near you.
Children aged six months to 11 years can also get vaccination appointments at select public health units, including New Westminster (second floor of Royal City Centre) and Burnaby (300-4946 Canada Way).
Fraser Health will “continue to look at opportunities for additional clinic locations, so people can receive their booster dose quickly and close to home.”
There are no walk-ins; all vaccination appointments must be booked in advance online or through the provincial vaccination line at 1-833-838-2323.
Where can I find out more?
For a full listing of clinics and public health units offering COVID-19 immunizations and boosters, along with hours of operation, check out the Fraser Health vaccination site.
For all the details on how to register and for specific booking information, see the provincial Get Vaccinated website.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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