The Ontario government is rapidly accelerating its booster dose rollout by expanding eligibility to all individuals aged 18 and over today.
It is also shortening the interval to three months following an individual’s second dose.
“As we combat the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, nothing matters more than getting these booster doses into people’s arms” said Premier Doug Ford. “I am issuing a call to arms. We need every member of Team Ontario to stand tall and do their part as we work to protect our hard-fought progress and keep Ontarians safe.”
Starting at 8a.m., individuals aged 18 and over will be eligible to schedule their booster dose appointment through the Ontario’s booking portal, by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating pharmacies and primary care settings. Appointments will be booked three months (84 days) after a second dose as the province urgently expands booster eligibility to millions more individuals.
In addition, starting today, individuals aged 50 and over as well as all those currently eligible who have already booked their appointment at an interval of six months (168 days) can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to re-book for an earlier date at the three-month interval and can change their appointment through Ontario’s booking portal starting today.
“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, we need all hands on deck to help limit transmission and protect our hospital capacity,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine offers additional protection against the Omicron variant, and I urge everyone to get their booster dose as soon as you can. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the vaccine, now is the time.”
To protect our progress and safeguard hospital and ICU capacity from Omicron, Ontario is expanding booster eligibility to all individuals 18+ starting Monday.
In addition, the interval will be shortened to three months after an individual’s second dose. https://t.co/kxJ2tbECxs pic.twitter.com/JmF1csgA3h
— Ontario Ministry of Health (@ONThealth) December 16, 2021