Officials in Niagara confirmed that the new COVID-19 vaccine known as "Spikevax" is now available in the region, and is accessible for administration to healthcare workers and high-risk individuals in Niagara, starting today, Tuesday, 03.10.2023

What is the new COVID-19 vaccine — Spikevax

An updated vaccine from the company "Moderna," which previously provided a vaccine under its own name, but the new vaccine offers greater protection against the XXB variants, which are considered among the worst mutated versions of the coronavirus, and the most dangerous, affecting the immune system and the respiratory system in humans.

The new vaccine has also been prepared to address other types of coronavirus variants that have spread globally and locally, and this vaccine represents one of the early precautionary measures to prevent serious epidemics and to avoid repeating the tragedies of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, which caused significant damage that exceeded health impacts, crippling vital economic sectors in various countries around the world.

Who will the new vaccine be available to?

According to what was published by CHCH, the Spikevax vaccine will be available to healthcare workers, especially in facilities designated for combating the COVID-19 pandemic and similar epidemics, in addition to high-risk individuals, who are identified based on the considerations of the Canadian Ministry of Health in the following cases:

– Older individuals, over the age of 65

– Residents and workers in "overcrowded" group living facilities

– Children aged between 6 months and 4 years

– Pregnant women

– Indigenous people "First Nations" such as Inuit or Métis and their families

– Anyone suffering from chronic health conditions, aged 6 months and older.

Individuals included in the aforementioned categories are classified as most vulnerable, so the province will start vaccination operations for them to ensure a swift response to the vaccine and maximize effectiveness.

After completing the first stage of vaccination, it is expected that the vaccine will later be available to the general public, after ensuring a response for necessary and high-risk cases first.

Where will the vaccination take place? And how to book an appointment for the vaccine?

In the first phase of vaccination operations for the new COVID-19 vaccine, vaccines will be available in long-term care homes and retirement homes, and later vaccination may become available at other health centers or hospitals.

The vaccine is recommended — by health officials in Niagara — for all individuals considered to be among the most at risk, provided that at least 6 months have passed since their last vaccination.

In a related context, Niagara residents can learn about vaccine schedules at designated clinics on the province's website, and appointments can be booked through COVID-19 vaccine options.

Currently, appointments are only available between October 3rd and 14th, with additional slots potentially being added later this month.

On another note, it is expected that the new COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in other regions later, alongside Niagara County, especially Hamilton and Halton.

Source of the news: Official Niagara Region website

Translation and Editing: Arab Canada News