Ottawa Public Health recommends updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that individuals receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall to protect themselves against current variants. The updated KP.2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is expected to enhance protection against infection and severe outcomes from COVID-19. Individuals 6 months and older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 6 months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Those who haven’t been vaccinated before can also receive the updated vaccine, which is especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness.   Initial doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are available for eligible individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe illness due to COVID-19, including:   

• Adults 65 years of age or older 
• Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)   
• Individuals who have underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs 
• Pregnant individuals   
• Individuals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities   
• Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities  

Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidance, effective October 28, 2024, the updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all residents aged 6 months and older.   There are many options for getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine:  

• Many local pharmacies have received the updated vaccine from the Ministry of Health and are offering them to eligible individuals in Ottawa. Visit your nearest pharmacy today.  
• Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines. 
• Beginning October 15, 2024, OPH Community Clinics and Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs will offer the updated COVID-19 vaccines for eligible high risk and priority populations who face barriers to access the vaccine. This includes newcomers without OHIP and children under 2.  

To book your appointment with OPH for the updated COVID-19 vaccine:   Effective October 9, 2024, OPH appointments for the updated COVID-19 vaccine will be released. Appointments at an OPH Community Clinic can be booked through the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).  OPH Neighbourhood and Wellness Hubs offer vaccines on a drop-in basis. Ottawa Public Health wants to remind Ottawa residents that there are simple and effective ways to help protect yourself, your families and our communities against respiratory illness. Using the following layers of protection helps keep everyone safe:  

• Stay home when sick until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours or 48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea).  
• Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.  
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.  
• Keep your vaccinations up to date, including getting your annual flu vaccine and your updated COVID-19 vaccine.  
• Avoid visiting people at high-risk of severe illness when you are sick (including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital).  
• Wear a mask:  
  • To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.  
  • To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.  
  • When you’re recovering from illness.  
• Use local monitoring indicators, updated weekly on our dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport to help you assess your level of risk.  

The Ontario Ministry of Health is also launching vaccine campaigns for flu and RSV this fall. Information on both campaigns will be released in the weeks to come. For more information on respiratory illness, including fall vaccines, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. If you suspect you have COVID-19, visit the Province’s website to learn more about symptoms, testing, and treatment. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.   For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.