Evidence suggests the protection you get from COVID-19 vaccines and/or previous COVID-19 infection decreases over time. Boosters are required to maintain immunity and offer protection against infection (including long COVID), serious illness, hospitalization and death.
Effective July 7th 2023, individuals should consider delaying receipt of a COVID-19 booster dose until the fall. This is to ensure individuals will meet the expected 6-month recommended interval from their last dose. Receiving a booster dose in the fall, heading into respiratory illness season, will maximize protection against COVID-19 outcomes when peak circulation of the virus is expected.
The decision to receive a booster dose prior to fall 2023 may be appropriate for certain individuals based on their unique health status and personal situation. A booster dose should be administered to individuals who choose to receive one if they are eligible, meaning a recommended six months has passed since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Staying up to date
* For those 6 months to 4 years of age staying up to date means having a completed primary series.
* For those 5 years and older staying up to date means having a completed primary series and a booster dose (monovalent or bivalent) on or after Sept 1, 2022.
Age based recommendations
- Infants and children 6 months to 4 years are not eligible for a booster dose at this time.
- Individuals aged 5 years and older who have not received a booster dose since September 1, 2022, are recommended to consider delaying receipt of a COVID-19 booster dose until the fall of 2023.
Non-mRNA (Novavax)
For more information call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Novavax boosters (Protein subunit vaccine)
This vaccine may be given as a booster dose to individuals who are 12 years and older (who do not have contraindications to the vaccine) and who are not able or willing to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.