Starting December 13, 2021, the provincial government will be expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to all residents turning 50 years of age or older in 2021. In the Peterborough region, this expanded eligibility will allow for an additional 37,289 residents to receive a booster dose.
With this eligibility expansion, the following residents can book a COVID-19 booster dose appointment for a date that is at least 168 days (six months) after a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was received:
• Residents 50 years of age or older (born in 1971 or before)
• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members
• Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
• Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
• Healthcare workers Residents can determine the date when they become eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose using this guide.
Residents with certain health conditions, now including individuals receiving dialysis, can receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 56 days (two months) after their second dose. These residents may walk in to any COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals who are 12 years of age or older and will be required to show a physician referral form at the time of appointment.
“As we continue to see COVID-19 cases rise in the province and locally, I strongly encourage every resident who is eligible to get a COVID-19 booster dose,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Booster doses work to remind our immune system about a virus that they have previously been exposed to.”
Also continuing to limit close contacts, and wearing tight and properly-fitting masks and improving ventilation when in prolonged contact with others, will assist in preventing infection and spreading the COVID-19 virus.
Residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system in the following ways:
• Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
• Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900
Residents can also book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at one of 24 local participating pharmacies or look for upcoming vaccination clinic opportunities.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment, you can visit Peterborough Public Health’s website.
