COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Eligibility Expands

Vaccine vial

Residents are required to book an appointment for their booster dose

Today the provincial government announced that booster doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be available to more residents who meet the following criteria:

  • Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1951 or before)
  • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults
  • Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
  • Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
  • Healthcare workers

These residents are eligible to book an appointment for their booster dose no sooner than 6 months (168 days) after they received their second dose.

“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends booster doses for older residents or those with certain health conditions who may be at greater risk of waning immunity following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health.  “Out of an abundance of caution, booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will now be offered to these groups.  A booster dose will provide additional protection for those at risk of severe illness related to COVID-19 or for those residents who work closely with these individuals.”

Dr. Gemmill reinforced that evidence continues to show that two doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will not provide sufficient protection to most of the population.  However, the residents recommended by NACI may be better protected if they choose to receive a booster dose.”

Peterborough Public Health will be reactivating the provincial COVID-19 vaccine booking system for booster dose appointments.  Dr. Gemmill remarked, “To serve our residents better, booking a booster dose appointment will reduce lines at the clinic and ensure that residents can receive their vaccine when they want it.”

Effective Monday, November 8, the provincial booking system will be available for eligible residents to book a booster dose appointment.  Eligible residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

Residents turning 12 years of age in 2021 or older who require a first or second dose can book an appointment or walk in to any Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 vaccine clinic to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinic.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391