GREY-BRUCE – On Nov. 3, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, Ontario expanded eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional high-risk groups. Current eligible populations are still eligible.
Those now eligible for a booster dose include individuals aged 70 and over (based on calendar year, not date of birth); eligible health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings; all hospital and acute care staff; all patient-facing health care workers/staff involved in the COVID-19 response; medical first responders; healthcare workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (assisted living, correctional settings, shelters, long-term care homes, retirement homes, supportive housing, hospice and palliative care settings); home and community care health care workers, providing in-person care; individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (Astra Zeneca), or one dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine; and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit adults (over 18 years of age), and any household members.
All newly eligible groups must wait six months (168 days minimum) following their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to be eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The health unit will host vaccine clinics at municipal locations such as arenas and community centres on a regular basis that will have enhanced capacity in comparison to the small pop-up clinics that were running in August, September and October. These municipal clinics will not be to the scale of the large Hockey Hubs, however, will be able to accommodate the volume related to this enhanced eligibility.
A list of new clinic locations will be made available on the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s website in the near future. A current schedule is available on the health unit’s website: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
Appointments will be required to access these clinics due to the anticipated volume. Appointments will be booked using the provincial booking system – online and via the telephone. As of Nov. 6, eligible individuals can book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (1-833-943-3900). If local clinics are not viewable on this date, they will be added in the coming days. Please do not call the Health Unit to try to book your appointment. You will not be able to get your third dose without an appointment.
