Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine available to people 18 and older

Eligible Nova Scotians aged 18 or older can now book an appointment for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine which offers greater protection against Omicron strains of the virus.

Public Health recommended people who are eligible for their fall dose receive a dose of bivalent vaccine rather than the original vaccine because the bivalent vaccine offers greater protection against Omicron.

"I encourage people to follow the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendation and book a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for their next dose," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health.

Currently, Moderna is the only pharmaceutical company with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine that has been licensed in Canada by the Department of Health and Wellness and recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

The recommended interval between any COVID-19 vaccine doses after the primary series is 168 days.

Some people, such as those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, and people aged 70 years and older, can receive another dose 120 days from their last vaccine. If these people become infected with COVID-19, they should wait 120 days from their infection before receiving their next dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments can be booked online at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/book-your-vaccinationappointment/ or by calling 1-833-797-7772.

Vaccine scheduling by phone is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.