Ontario’s top doc is anticipating a complex winter with multiple viruses circulating.
Today, chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore talked publicly about the upcoming respiratory season, which includes the flu and COVID. The eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine boosters is being expanded and the province has updated its guidance for people in contact with COVID cases or who have symptoms.
With kids heading back to school, starting tomorrow boosters will be available for children ages five to 11 years. Bookings will open at 8 a.m. on Sept. 1 via the provincial vaccination portal or your local health unit.
Boosters for that age group are recommended at least six months after their second dose.
The province is also anticipating the approval of the bivalent vaccine that may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants.
Once the doses are received from the federal government, the province says it’s already working with health units and other partners to make sure the doses can be administered.
“Details on timing and eligibility for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be communicated once Health Canada provides additional information and guidance,” reads a provincial news release.
Public health guidance has been updated in an effort to help manage COVID during the flu season.
One of the key highlights is that people in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 no longer have to isolate, but should wear a mask for 10 days when in public.
Anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose should not go to school, work or social events until the fever is gone and symptoms improve. People should also take a rapid antigen test or PCR test, if eligible. For 10 days after, people should also wear a mask and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk settings or individuals.
“While we are updating our public health guidance, preventing COVID-19 and other infections is vital to keeping our families, schools and communities safe and healthy,” said Moore in a statement.
“I strongly encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of vaccine and booster doses that are recommended and available to them, which now includes the availability of a booster dose for children aged five to 11. Ontarians are also encouraged to protect one another by respecting public health guidance, including staying home and taking precautions if you are sick.”
