Eligibility for second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine expands

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Huron Perth, ON – On July 13, 2022, the Ontario government announced that it is expanding eligibility for second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine to all Ontarians aged 18 and over.  Those newly eligible individuals will be able to make an appointment starting on Thursday, July 14. 

A second booster will provide an extra layer of protection to those who choose to be vaccinated and is now also recommended for individuals aged 18 and over who are moderately to severely immune compromised. Groups who were already eligible and recommended to receive a second booster dose include those aged 60 and over; residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, and Elder Care Lodges; older adults in congregate living settings; and First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over.  Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose.

Ontario is experiencing a seventh wave of COVID-19, driven by the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. People who have not yet received their first booster dose are reminded that the first booster dose is especially important as COVID-19 transmission is elevated in Ontario.  Protection after a primary COVID-19 vaccine series (two doses for most people) decreases over time, especially against the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help to increase protection against symptomatic infection and severe outcomes at the individual level, and help to reduce transmission at the population level.  

Expanded second booster dose eligibility allows people to make a decision based on their personal circumstances. Individuals who are unsure whether a second booster dose is right for them at this time should speak to their healthcare provider.

 “COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth.  “A booster provides additional protection after immunity has decreased, especially for those who are more vulnerable to severe illness.  Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations by receiving all doses recommended, based on your age and health status.”  See Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses for more information.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has scheduled additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the next two weeks and will continue to offer clinics over the summer. 

You can find dates and locations for HPPH vaccination clinics at www.hpph.ca/GetVaccinated. Clinics are by appointment only.  Pregnant individuals and children ages five to 11 can walk in to any HPPH clinic.

Book your appointment for an HPPH clinic:

  • Online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
  • By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, or
  • By calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 (open Monday-Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm)

COVID-19 vaccinations are also still available through some pharmacies and primary care providers.

A reminder that mask use continues in HPPH clinical services and HPPH public areas, including on-site and community vaccine clinics. HPPH staff will be masked, and we ask everyone who attends to wear a mask. Masks will be available for use.

In addition, please do not attend a vaccine clinic if you are feeling unwell, have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or you are isolating.

Reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19

Everyone can contribute to reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our communities by continuing to layer personal protective measures, including:

  • Keeping up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations (getting all recommended doses for which you are eligible);
  • Staying home when sick, even with mild symptoms, and keeping ill children out of childcare and school;
  • Wearing a well-fitted three-layer cloth mask or medical mask in indoor public settings, and when socializing indoors with people from outside your household, especially if anyone is elderly or immune compromised;
  • Knowing your risk and whether you are eligible for early testing and treatment and having a plan to access that testing and treatment;  
  • Maintaining good ventilation in indoor spaces (for example by opening windows); and
  • Washing hands frequently

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for the virus, you are required to isolate.  Visit Ontario.ca/exposed or call the toll-free Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line at 1-888-777-0730 if you need more information.

For more information: