she also advised families with loved ones in retirement or long-term care homes to check on their vaccination status for covid-19 as well as flu and rsv, if they qualify.
“there is plenty of supply of covid-19 vaccine. at many pharmacies, it is possible to get a same-day or next-day appointment.”
despite the end of special provincial pandemic funding, ottawa public health is not closing down its covid-19 services, etches said. it will do so through its base budget.
“we are continuing to offer covid-19 vaccines.”
so far, two updated mrna covid vaccines, from pfizer and moderna, have been available in ontario this fall. but a third vaccine targeting the xbb variant of covid-19, from novavax, has been approved by health canada and could soon be available in ontario. unlike pfizer and moderna, it is protein-based.
silvia taylor, who is executive vice-president, chief corporate affairs and advocacy officer for novavax, said the vaccine could help boost uptake of vaccines this year by appealing to people who want another option than mrna vaccines.
“vaccination rates have been low, but as people see rates of illness going up going into the holidays, it will be great timing to have a second push,” taylor said.