Toronto 
Ontario government today announced an expansion of eligibility for the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18.
Those who belong to the eligible group can book appointments starting on April 7, 2022.
The province says the expansion of booster eligibility will provide an extra layer of protection against the Omicron and BA.2 variants.
The announcement follows NACI’s recommendation of rapid deployment of a second COVID–19 vaccine booster dose program for 80+ population. NACI suggested local public health agencies may aim to provide a second booster dose 6 months for adults 18 years of age and older.
“As we continue to live with COVID-19, we are using every tool available to manage this virus and reduce its impact on our hospitals and health system, including by expanding the use of booster doses,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19 and its variants. Because of our exceptionally high vaccination rates and Ontario’s cautious approach, we currently have one of the lowest hospitalization rates in the country and have performed well throughout this pandemic when compared to other similar sized provinces and states. I encourage everyone who’s eligible to get boosted as soon as you’re able.”
Ontario has administered more than 32 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as of April 5, 2022. 92 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and over have received at least one dose, more than 91 per cent a second dose and more than 55 per cent have received a booster.
HOW TO BOOK FOURTH DOSE APPOINTMENT:
Who: Individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18.
When: Starting on Thursday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m.
How:
- Online through COVID-19 vaccination portal
- Calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900
- Dirrectly through public health units that use their own booking systems
- Through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating pharmacies, and participating primary care settings.
