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IB NEWS DO YOU NEED ANOTHER COVID VACCINE SHOT THIS FALL? MANY CANADIANS SHOULD BE GETTING BOOSTERS, NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION SAYS STEVE MCKINLEY stevemckinley@thestar.ca Canadians should be thinking about getting an- other COVID-19 vaccine dose as the country heads into the critical fall and winter months, health au- thorities say. The National Advisory Committee on Immuniza- tion on July recom- mended a booster particu- larly for those most at risk of COVID: people 65 or old- er, pregnant women, those living in a long-term-care home or those who have an underlying medical condi- ion i them more vulnerable. But it's not just at-risk groups that should be up- ting their vaccination. Anyone for whom it's been six months or more since their last vaccination or bout of COVID should be getting another dose, said NACI. Those from Indige- nous and racialized co! munities and people who provide essential commu- nity services were also strongly encouraged to get their boost “While wet have seen that COVID-19 can peak at ay time of year, we typicall; havea very ' strained health typically occurs during the fall and winter months," said Shelley Deeks, chair of the NACI, which falls under the auspices of the Public Health Agency of Canada. aa! Metroland file photo the number of COVID cases. “Keeping protection against up Canadians’ co- protective practices, will be vital this fall when we ex- pect other respiratory vi- ruses, including influenza and RSV, to be co-circulat- ing in our communities and adding stress to our health care system," said Dr. The- resa Tam, the chief public health officer, in the state- a May, the World Health NACI issued a statement July 11 latest formulation of the COVID-49 vaccine for those for whom it's been six months or more since their last vaccination or infection. “Offering another dose of COVID-19 vaccine start- ing this fall is expected to increase protection, and will be particularly impor- tant for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease.” In the past years of the pandemic, those fall and winter seasons, with people tending t re spend more time loors in close quarters, have prompted a bump in oe to the global COVID Liao health h cmergenicy, nity, fue deaths seed eee Tess } pres- sure on hospitals. But Canada is still feel- e lingering effects of the global pandemic. Be- tween June 25 and July 1, there were 1,391 reported cases and 24 deaths. | seneeg emaxeo | 6Z In addition, there are no 5 monitored by health agen: cies. Vaccine manufacturers % N are developing updated CO- y VID vaccinations to cope $ 3 with currently circulating variants, said NACI. Those updated vaccines are ex- pected to be available in the next few months. “An additional dose us- ing the latest vaccine for- mulations will be an impor- tant tool to not only build back Protection against se- anes over ra ont aa protect against currently circulat- ing SARS-CoV-2 variants," said Tam. A vaccine booster is also highly recommended for those who have not yet had a COVID infection and whose only protection from. the virus is froma previous vaccination. EMPOWERED bkeEGISTER HERE www.Empowered Seniors.ca or call 905-330-5201 SENIORS SPEAKER SERIES CARE SOLUTION Lean On Me’ Join us for the next free monthly seminar for older adults and their families where we will discuss Advance Care Planning, a process to help begin preparations and conversations while we are healthy so we don't have to deal with these difficult transitions during a medical crisis. It’s definitely better to be prepared than to make decisions under stress. SERIES SESSION 3 What is an Advanced Care Plan and Why Does Everyone Need One? AUGUST 9: 1.30-3.00 P.M. BURLINGTON CENTRAL LIBRARY CENTENNIAL HALL 2331 NEW ST, BURLINGTON Are you or your aging parent finding it difficult dealing with a later in life transition or health crisis? Are you unsure of what next steps to take? Let us minimize the chaos & stress aa maa Garces MARION [CTOyNSID) Downsizing, Organization, Move Management & Home Staging . ee LIFESTYLE 55+ Aging in Place Consultation, Home Safety Assessments Qualicare (EEE MASTER AND SENIOR Health System & Senior Living Navigation, Care Referral & Management EST &. OF BLUEWING Ee Ane E NIAGARA ayMOND JAMES? 905-330-5201 mariongoard@kw.com AAA Aa al=la(elaleley-1Ke Ker} CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 365-: EDGE =) www.withcaresolutions.ca KELLERVVLL IAMS, woo-uoyeyepisul OMTES oy 360 DOWNSIZING 8-4800 (& info@withcaresolutions.ca iT”)