Booster Shots – Expanded Eligibility

Booster Shots – Expanded Eligibility

November 3, 2021

 

Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health announced Ontario’s new rollout plan for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Starting November 6, 2021, boosters will be made available to additional groups of high-risk individuals if at least 6 months have passed since their last dose. This booster dose is recommended for these groups to provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and is currently available to seniors living in LTC and certain congregate settings.

 

Based on the recommendations made by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the following eligible populations include:

  • Individuals aged 70 and over (born in 1951 or earlier)
  • Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers)
  • 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 Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

Starting on November 6, eligible groups will be able to book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings.

 

In addition, Ontario is launching Operation Remote Immunity 3.0, through the co-development of plans with Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, to support Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, First Nation health organizations, to administer booster doses in their communities with transportation and vaccine supply assistance.

 

We will be following up with the Ministry to assess the possibility of vaccine clinics at LTC homes for staff, as happened with previous doses of the vaccine.

 

 

 

The content of this communication is intended for general information purposes only. It should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice or opinion.