COVID-19 Booster and Third Doses in Niagara

COVID-19 Booster and Third Doses in Niagara

NIAGARA REGION, November 10, 2021 – As of Nov. 6, 2021, the provincial government has expanded eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals.

WHO

The following groups are eligible if at least 6 months have passed since their last dose:

  • 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/Johnson & Johnson vaccine)
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

Individuals must be 6 months past their second dose to receive a booster shot. If they are less than 6 months since their second dose, they will not be able to be vaccinated.

In addition, select immunocompromised persons are eligible for a third dose if at least 8 weeks have passed since their last dose. A full list of third dose eligible groups is available, with more detail about the eligibility criteria.

These immunocompromised people must bring documentation from a pharmacist or health care provider to the clinic at the time of their appointment in order to validate their eligibility for a third dose. Those without documentation will not be able to be vaccinated.

WHAT

While the COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, based on the recommendation of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI), the province is offering booster doses to the aforementioned groups to provide them with an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

WHERE

Those who are eligible can book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Given that people who are not yet fully vaccinated are at greatest risk of COVID-19, Public Health intends to prioritize walk-ins seeking first and second doses over those seeking booster doses, especially in coming weeks when clinics are likely to become very busy. Those seeking a booster dose are strongly recommended to book an appointment to avoid waiting in line during bad or cold weather.

WHY

You can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by getting vaccinated. Anyone who has questions is encouraged to check out the COVID-19 information and resources made available through Public Health; call the COVID-19 Info-Line to ask questions by calling 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074, press 7; or use the online COVID-19 Live Chat.

Media Inquiries

Courtney Westerhof
Niagara Region Public Health
905-688-8248
[email protected]

back to articles Back to articles