'Vaccines continues to be our best defence against COVID-19'
The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for second booster doses to Ontarians aged 18 and over.
Starting on July 14 at 8 a.m., eligible individuals can book an appointment.
“As we continue to manage COVID-19 for the long term, we’re expanding second booster doses and extending the availability of free rapid antigen tests to give people the tools they need to stay safe and to ensure Ontario stays open,” says Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health.
“Vaccines continue to be our best defence against COVID-19 and protecting our hospital capacity for those who need it most.”
Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose. While most individuals aged 18 to 59 years old will continue to have strong protection more than six months after their first booster dose, expanding second booster dose eligibility will ensure that Ontarians can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances, says the government.
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A new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to be approved by Health Canada this fall, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants.
High-risk individuals who should get their second booster dose as soon as possible and many of whom have been eligible to do so for months include: individuals aged 60 and over; First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; and individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
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The Ontario government continues to provide free rapid antigen tests to the general public through existing channels like grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as to workplaces, schools, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and other congregate settings.
“Expanding eligibility to second booster doses and providing continued access to testing will empower Ontarians to make the best decisions for their circumstances and help keep our communities safe,” says Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health. “Staying up to date on vaccination is the best protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19.”
