COVID-19 bivalent vaccine available in Nunavut
News Release
COVID-19 bivalent vaccine available in Nunavut
Iqaluit, Nunavut (September 12, 2022) – Today, the Department of Health is announcing that, following approval by Health Canada, Moderna’s Spikevax Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is now available in Nunavut.
Due to limited supply, the vaccine will be available as a booster dose to Elders living in the community who are 70 years and older and all residents and staff in long term care facilities, who have received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine at least three months ago. Eligibility for this vaccine will be expanded as supply increases.
“The bivalent vaccine is the newest tool in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer. “The bivalent vaccine available in Canada is designed to provide protection against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. It is safe and effective at reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.”
The bivalent vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu shot.
“This new vaccine will offer even more protection to Nunavummiut, and I encourage everyone who is eligible, to get their shot,” said Health Minister John Main. “I want to remind all Nunavummiut that our best protection against COVID-19 this fall is to follow all public health guidance, get vaccinated, wear a mask, and stay home when sick, and take a rapid self test.”
Previous COVID-19 mRNA vaccines continue to be available to all Nunavummiut six months and older and appointments for first, second or booster doses can be made by calling your local health centre or Public Health unit.
If you have questions about the vaccine, call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST from Monday to Friday, or visit www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.
###
Media Contact:
Chris Puglia
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email