Starting today, Ontario residents aged 12 and over can receive the bivalent COVID-19 shot. Those interested in receiving this vaccine, which targets the current Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, must have completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Most Ontario residents under 65 are also advised to receive their booster dose within the recommended six-month period; however, individuals can choose to book their next appointment three months after their last dose. Additionally, appointments can be booked online through the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the regional vaccine call centre at 1-833-943-3900. Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through their public health unit, at Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, and at participating healthcare providers and pharmacies. On October 7, Health Canada approved this second bivalent booster, an updated version of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, for those aged 12 and over. Ontario only received its first shipments of the Pfizer bivalent booster, which the province said is "particularly important for high-risk individuals," from the federal government last week. In the same regard, the province also urges people to stay up to date with their vaccines as we enter respiratory illness season by getting the flu vaccine, which will be available starting November 1 through healthcare providers, public health units, and pharmacies. The flu vaccine can safely be given at the same time or at any time before or after the COVID-19 vaccine for those aged five and older. Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, said in a statement issued on October 13: "We are entering the fall season where we traditionally see an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Vaccines improve your immune response and reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and post-infection symptoms. We recommend that Ontario residents stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines at the appropriate interval since their last dose and get the annual flu vaccine when it becomes available." The provincial government advises anyone feeling unwell to stay home and also reminds people to continue practicing hand hygiene. Anyone with eligibility questions should talk to their healthcare provider or call the regional vaccine call centre at 1-833-943-3900. Residents can also visit a VaxFacts clinic to speak with a Scarborough Health Network physician or the SickKids COVID-19 vaccine consultation service to book a phone appointment with a registered nurse.