**NEW** COVID Vaccine Boosters

Ottawa Public Health 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:   

High risk:

• 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 

Priority populations:

• children 6 months to 4 years of age
• staff and care providers of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings
• health care workers
• first responders
• individuals with significant exposure to birds and mammals (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians)

Effective October 28, 2024, the updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all residents aged 6 months and older. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.