The provincial government is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 to Ontarians 60 years of age and older as well as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over.
Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday (April 7), those eligible can book their fourth dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Appointments can also be booked directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating primary care settings, and at participating pharmacies listed at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations. Locations and timing for additional boosters may vary by public health unit based on local planning and considerations.
“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,” says Ontario health minister Christine Elliott in a media release. “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.”
Since December, Ontario had been offering fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations including residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, and older adults in other congregate care settings that provide assisted-living and health services.
