Third dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments for expanded eligible populations available November 4

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is now expanding eligibility for third doses of COVID-19 vaccine, as recently announced by the province. Eligibility to receive a third dose of vaccine includes:

• Individuals 70 and older (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. (For a complete list, refer to Ministry of Health. recommendations at COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations).
• Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine).
• First Nation, Inuit, and Métis adults (18 and older) and their non-Indigenous household members.

Individuals in these eligibility groups can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine a minimum of six-months (168 days) after receiving their second dose. Booster doses are being offered to these groups based on evidence of gradual waning immunity six months after receiving their second dose, and a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There are many options for Durham Region residents to receive their third dose, including participating pharmacies and health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccine and at Durham Region community immunization clinics.

Eligible residents can begin booking third dose appointments at Durham Region community immunization clinics on November 4. Community immunization clinics are currently open in Ajax, Oshawa, and Clarington. Additional clinics will be opening in Pickering, Whitby, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock over the nextension week. For a list of clinics, hours of operation or to book an appointment visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113.

From November 4 to 6:

• Walk-ins for first and second doses will be accepted at Durham Region community immunization clinics that are open to the public.
• Third doses at these clinics will be by appointment only.

From November 7 onward:

• Walk-ins for first doses will be accepted at Durham Region community immunization clinics that are open to the public.
• Second and third doses at these clinics will be by appointment only.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department