The first deliveries of Moderna’s new bivalent vaccine—which helps to protect against the Omicron strain of COVID-19—should arrive in the province this month.

With cold and flu season starting this fall, Public Health is encouraging people who are eligible for their booster to start booking appointments starting Monday, September 19.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says some 60,000 doses are set to arrive at first, with more doses expected in the weeks following.

Because initial supplies will be limited, they’re limiting eligibility to certain high-risk groups.

That includes adults 65 years of age and older, residents of long-term care or congregate living facilities, residents of Indigenous and marginalized communities, and those 12 years of age and older who have underlying medical issues that make them more vulnerable.

In the meantime, Fitzgerald says everyone 5 years of age and older who has had at least 20 weeks pass since their last booster should book an appointment whether it’s with the traditional dose or the new bivalent vaccine. She’s asking those who are eligible for the bivalent vaccine to be patient, especially in booking their appointment with their local pharmacy or doctor since initial shipments are limited.

It will be available starting September 21, but pharmacies and physicians are being asked to fully book their vaccine clinics before ordering their supply, “so please be patient” urges Fitzgerald.

Flu shots, which can be administered at the same time as the COVID booster, will be available later this fall.