News
COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Eligibility Expands to Individuals aged 50 and Over
2021-12-02
The Eastern Ontario Heath Unit (EOHU) is pleased to inform the public that as of December 13, 2021, adults 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or before) become eligible to receive a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 168 days following their second dose.
In addition, due to a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, effective immediately individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 56 days since their second dose. Also effective immediately, the province is recommending re-vaccination with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series post-transplantation for individuals who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic), and recipients of CAR-T-cell therapy, due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant.
Two Doses Remain Effective
Receiving a third dose is recommended however is not urgent and not mandatory. A third dose will help to provide individuals in these groups with an improved immune response to prevent infection. Evidence continues to show that two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Individuals are still considered fully vaccinated with two doses.
Accessing a Third Dose
If it has been 168 days since your second dose and you meet the criteria for a third dose, we encourage you to seek vaccination by contacting a partnering pharmacy or your health care provider.
Third dose vaccination, 168 days following the second dose, is also available at community-based clinics. Booking for community-based clinics will be available at www.Ontario.ca/bookvaccine beginning Monday December 13 at 8:00 a.m. for individuals 50 years of age and older who are eligible for a third dose. Clinics will be added into the system regularly, please continue to check back. Individuals who require assistance with booking can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. If you need assistance or special accommodations, you may also call the EOHU at 1-800-267-7120.
Walk-in clients eligible for a third dose are accepted at community-based clinics; however, clients are encouraged to book an appointment. We continue to welcome individuals needing a first or second dose with or without an appointment.
Continued Collaboration
If you do not fall within one of the eligible groups for a third dose, or you have not reached the minimum interval of 168 days since your second dose, please do NOT try to schedule an appointment or walk-in. Clients seeking a third dose will be asked to provide proof of eligibility before receiving their vaccine. We are requesting everyone’s collaboration and patience as we continue this enormous vaccination effort.
For the latest updates about which population groups are eligible to receive a third dose of the vaccine and how to access it, please regularly visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.EOHU.ca/vaccines.
