Bivalent booster demand falls short of expectations

By CityNews Kitchener Staff

All adults in Ontario became eligible for Moderna's COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine last week, but it appears the initial demand has fallen short of expectations. 

The Region of Waterloo reopened the mass vaccination clinic on Pinebush Road last Monday to help meet the anticipated demand. Prior to the site reopening, Jessie Johal, the region's director of COVID response and infectious diseases, told CityNews 570 that it was anticipated 8,000 appointments would be filled at the clinic every week for the first two weeks.

However, a public health spokesperson has now confirmed that approximately 400 appointments were booked at the clinic every day last week. That would average about 2,800 appointments from Monday to Sunday. 

To help make it easier to access the new vaccine, the Pinebush clinic will now be accepting walk-ins each and every day during operational hours, as capacity allows.

If you'd prefer an appointment, they can still be made for the clinic by using the province's online booking portal. The bivalent booster is also available through select participating pharmacies and doctors' offices. 

Keep in mind, regionally-run vaccination clinics will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday.

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