We are in a large Omicron BA.5 resurgence now which means that the chance of being exposed to COVID is high if you are interacting with others, particularly in indoor settings.
Most people received their first booster in early 2022, which means their immunity against infection has waned considerably, although there is still good protection against serious illness.
Ottawa Public Health recommends that high-risk individuals get their second booster dose as soon as possible:
- Individuals 18+ who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- Individuals aged 60 and over;
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; and
- Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services.
Getting a second booster now is something people should consider since immunity to infection is waning from first booster dose, and we have very high COVID transmission in the community.
Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months (140 days) after an individual receives their first booster dose. Individuals who recently had a confirmed infection with COVID-19 should wait for three months after infection before receiving another booster dose to improve the immune response they receive from the booster dose.
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, vaccines that target the Omicron strain of the COVID-19 virus may be available later this year. The timing of this release is not yet known but we will continue to update the community as more information becomes available from Health Canada and the Province. At this time, we also do not know the minimum interval between a previous dose (e.g., a second booster) and the new vaccine, but we anticipate it will be three months, subject to confirmation by the Province.
Ottawa residents seeking their second booster are encouraged to reach out to local pharmacies using the provincial pharmacy locator to find those that provide COVID-19 vaccines. Some primary care physicians are also providing boosters.
Residents can also book an appointment at a community clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Appointments are strongly recommended as drop-in capacity is limited.
Weekly Snapshot of the COVID-19 Situation in Ottawa
In addition to updating our COVID-19 Dashboard twice weekly (Tuesday and Friday), Ottawa Public Health continues to release weekly animated presentations of key COVID-19 data and messages providing guidance to the public. These weekly snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook and Twitter channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus.
Monitoring Indicators
- Wastewater virus detection levels are very high and are decreasing
- Per cent positivity is very high and increasing
- New COVID-19 hospitalizations are moderate and decreasing
- New confirmed outbreaks are moderate and decreasing
We’re halfway through the summer school holidays – make the most of it, help limit COVID-19 transmission by using your layers of protection.
Screen for symptoms, stay home if you’re sick, carry a mask with you for indoor or crowded spaces, and get your COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the Fall – whatever dose you need, we’re here!
Our vaccine rollout for children six months to under five years is ongoing. Get your little ones vaccinated before school starts. Find more info on our website OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
Monkeypox
For updated information, including common signs and symptoms, vaccine eligibility, booking a vaccine and clinic locations, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Monkeypox
