New COVID-19 vaccine available for high-risk populations in Hamilton starting this weekend

The latest version of COVID-19 vaccine, targeting the XBB variant of the virus, will be available for Hamiltonians at high risk from the coronavirus starting Saturday, Oct. 7.

That group includes people older than 65, people in congregate living settings such as long-term care, those who are pregnant, and individuals with underlying medical conditions that make infection more dangerous.

Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) says on its website the vaccine will be available at its clinics and notes the new formulation "more closely matches the currently circulating sub-variant" of the virus. 

According to public health's latest weekly respiratory virus transmission report, COVID-19 transmission in the city is "low and stable," as was the case for much of the summer.

Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization, which develops guidance on vaccination, recommends anyone previously vaccinated against COVID-19 get a jab of the XBB formulation this fall – so long as it's been at least six months since their last dose or last known infection.

"Immunization is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease," NACI writes.

The latest report does note the seven-day average of people hospitalized with the virus has increased from 0.4 on Sept. 17 to 0.9 on Oct. 1.

In that period, an average of zero people per week were admitted to ICU with COVID-19. 

CBC Hamilton sent HPHS questions about the vaccine rollout and COVID-19 transmission in the city, but did not receive a response before publication.