The Alberta government will announce later this week it's set to distribute a new bivalent COVID-19 booster..The booster announcement was first reported by CTV News and confirmed by the Western Standard..Bivalent is the new COVID vaccine recently approved by Health Canada, despite reports of vaccine injuries throughout the world..According to Health Canada: "After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the bivalent Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective."."Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. It was also found to generate a good immune response against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants and is expected to extend the durability of protection," Health Canada stated.."This adapted vaccine has a similar safety profile to the previously approved Moderna Spikevax booster, with the same mild adverse reactions that resolved quickly.".According to Health Canada, "The vaccine protects against the Omicron BA.1 variant and the original COVID-19 strain.".Health Canada said it placed "terms and conditions on the authorization requiring Moderna to continue providing information to Health Canada on the safety and efficacy of the bivalent vaccine."."This will provide the department with more data from ongoing studies and real-world use to ensure the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh any risks, as well as to detect any potential new safety signals," Health Canada stated..On Wednesday, the Western Standard reported Denmark will no longer be offering COVID-19 vaccines to people under 50-years-old, months after ending vaccination for those under 18-years-old. However, Health Canada and the Alberta government continue to promote COVID-19 vaccines..READ MORE: Denmark ends general vaccination for those under 50.To date, Albertans have been jabbed with more than nine million COVID-19 vaccine doses. CTV News reported 82% of eligible people received one shot, 77.6% got two, and 39.3% had one booster.."Starting on Septemebr 21, appointments for the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine can be booked, with vaccine administration also beginning on September, 21," the Alberta government stated in a news realease on Wednesday evening.."Albertans who have completed a primary series are eligible for the bivalent vaccine. The recommended interval between doses is a minimum of five months from the last dose or previous infection."."A shortened interval of three months can be considered (for individuals at higher risk for severe outcomes, for example), but a longer interval between doses leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer," the Alberta government said..Beginning September 21, Alberta residents eligible for the bivalent vaccine will include:.People who have completed any primary series, including a mix of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and have at least five months spacing since the last dose or most recent infection.Individuals who have received any number of previous boosters and have at least five months spacing since the last dose or most recent infection.Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available in late September/early October for Albertans 12-17 years of age.Additionally, starting the week of Oct. 3, the bivalent booster will be offered to residents of seniors congregate care facilities, along with the influenza vaccine..The Alberta governemt said vaccines will be available at participating pharmacies and community medial clinics and select AHS sites.
