In alignment with provincial guidance, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will provide booster doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to residents who meet the following criteria, and for whom it has been 168 days since their second dose:
- Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1951 or earlier);
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their adult household members;
- Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine;
- Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine;
- Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers);
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges, and individuals 65 years of age and over living in other congregate settings.
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.
“While evidence continues to show that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provides high effectiveness against serious illness, hospitalization, and death related to COVID-19, the groups identified by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization may be better protected over the long term if they choose to receive a booster dose,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH.
Book an appointment for booster/third dose
Effective immediately, residents can book a booster/third dose appointment using the provincial booking site. Please note that only appointments that occur on or past your date of eligibility will be visible (for booster doses a minimum of 168 after your second dose, and third doses for those who are immunocompromised a minimum of 56 days after a second dose). Walk-in appointments will continue to be available for individuals who have yet to receive a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
All individuals 12 and over can also receive their COVID-19 vaccination at participating local pharmacies, by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccination eligibility and booking, visit https://hpepublichealth.ca/vaccine-booking/#ThirdDose
