Windsor-Essex top doc not anticipating supply concerns with new bivalent vaccine

Anyone in Windsor-Essexwho wants the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine should be able to receive the boosterin a timely manner, according to the region's top doctor.

"I think we'll have enough supply to get vaccineto people who would like the vaccine," Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical of health for Windsor-Essex, said during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday.

The new bivalent vaccine, which targets the original strain of COVID-19 as well newer variants, became available to vulnerable populations earlier this month. As of Monday next week, anyone 18 and upis eligible to receive the booster.

Nicole Dupuis, the CEO of the health unit, said the vaccine is availablein the community. The majority of the rollout istaking placesettings such as long-term care and retirement homes.

The health unit does have vaccine appointments available as well, she said.

"We do have our appointments open and they are not completely full, so obviouslywe would like to see every opportunity taken," she said.

Bookings can also be made through other channels, including pharmacies and primary care providers.

223 students suspended

Meanwhile, out of an estimated population of 19,000 students who fall under vaccination requirement legislation, 223in Windsor-Essex remainsuspended due to their vaccination records being out of date,Nesathurai said.

The number of students requiring additional vaccines or an update to their records has declined dramatically in the lead up to September and into the school year. As of last week, 1,519 students facedsuspension.

In Ontario, students are required to receive certain vaccines including the shots for illnesses like polio and measles. COVID-19 vaccines are not on the list.

Nesathurai said it was a "public health success" that the overwhelming majority of students are now up to date, but he wants to see more uptake.

"Vaccine-preventable diseases are making a re-emergence world wide and I think that we have to be vigilant in Windsor-Essex to keep the community safe," he said.