COVID-19 Second Booster Dose Eligibility Expanded

Residents are Encouraged to Stay Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Immunizations

On July 13, the provincial government announced that they will be expanding eligibility of COVID-19 second booster doses to all residents 18 years of age or older. Starting July 14, all residents 18 years of age or older may book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for a date that is 140 days (five months) after a third dose (booster dose) of the COVID-19 vaccine was received. Eligibility will be based on birth year.

Please be advised, residents who book an appointment online with the provincial vaccine booking system will need to wait at least 140 days (five months) after their third dose to be back to book an appointment. Residents who call the provincial vaccine booking call centre can book an appointment three months after their third dose.

Eligible immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over can receive a first booster (fourth dose) after their third dose. 12 to 17 years old can get a first booster six months (168 days) after completion of the three-dose primary series. 18 years and over can get a first booster three months (84 days) after completion of the three-dose primary series. These individuals are required to show proof of eligibility at their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Two forms of proof will be accepted. These include a completed referral form from their health care provider or proof of prescription medication.

A full list of eligibility can be found on the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

“We are yet again into a new COVID-19 wave in this continued pandemic,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “We know that staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best tool for protecting yourself and those around you from the COVID-19 virus. If you are 12 or older and haven’t had your third dose, it is strongly recommended for you. However, our recommendations for fourth doses are a bit different. While fourth doses are most critical for older adults or those with medical conditions, those who are younger (18-59) and healthy now have a personal decision to make about receiving their fourth dose. We are anticipating a new generation of vaccines to be released in the Fall of 2022. For residents who are younger and healthy, the decision to wait for the other vaccine may be the best decision for their health. I will personally be getting my fourth dose as soon as I can, but you may wish to review my more detailed advice in the form of a video to make your own decision.”

Dr. Piggott has issued a short video and is providing a media briefing on July 14th to address questions around the current 7th wave of COVID-19 and vaccination eligibility changes. Peterborough Public Health recognizes the significant strain primary care providers are experiencing at present and encourages the public to review all information we provide, and not seek out an appointment to discuss vaccination unless special circumstances require it.

Vaccination is one tool for prevention against COVID-19. Other preventions include continuing to wear a tightly fitting (KN95/N95 style) mask, staying home when sick and gathering in well ventilated indoor air spaces or outdoors. Dr. Piggott added, “the Local COVID-19 Risk Index provides guidance based on the risk level our community is in. We are encouraging residents to review this index on a weekly basis and use the recommendations to make the best decision for their health.”

Appointments can be booked through the provincial vaccine booking system over the phone by calling 1-833-943-3900 or online at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

To see the Peterborough Public Health Local COVID-19 Risk Index: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-risk-index/

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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352