Ontario expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster dose

Ontario is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose after early evidence showed waning immunity over time.

The province says the booster dose will offer an extra layer of protection and contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

Back in August, Ontario became the first province to offer a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to the immunocompromised population and a booster dose for those individuals who are considered most at risk.

The province is now expanding eligibility for booster doses to include the following groups starting Nov. 6:

• Individuals aged 70 and over
• Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings
• Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine: two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine
• First Nation, Inuit and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

The province says the booster dose must be booked six to eight months after the second dose has been received.

Eligible residents can book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal, by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 and directly through select pharmacies and public health units that use their own booking systems.

Hospital workers should contact their employer to get vaccinated through the hospital’s vaccination program.

Health officials plan to expand eligibility for the booster dose to the general public aged 12 years and older by early 2022.