Those aged 12-17 years old won’t have to wait much longer to be eligible for their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
On Monday (February 14, 2022) the Ontario government announced that as of Friday, February 18, 2022, at 8:00 a.m., third dose eligibility will be expanded to youth aged 12-17.
Those wishing to book their appointment for their third dose through the provincial booking system, and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre. Youth can also get their booster dose at select pharmacies that are administering the Pfizer vaccine.
Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) following their second dose.
Individuals must be 12 years old at the time of the appointment to be eligible to receive their booster dose.
“Thanks to the province’s high vaccination rates and the continued sacrifices of Ontarians, we are now in a position where we can move forward in our plan earlier than anticipated,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“With hospitalizations and ICU admissions continuing to decline, we are committed to maintaining a gradual and cautious approach to protect our hospital capacity and ensure patients can access the care they need when they need it,” Elliott added.
Among the Northwestern Health Unit, 96 per cent of those aged 12-17 have gotten their first dose, while 87.2 per cent are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic, the NWHU has administered 180,156 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday.
In Ontario 88.7 per cent those aged 5 and older have received one dose of the vaccine, 84.3 per cent are fully vaccinated, and 45.6 per cent have gotten their booster shot.