COVID-19 vaccine spring boosters now available for high-risk groups

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is encouraging residents in specific high-risk populations to receive a COVID-19 booster dose this spring.

Due to decreasing immunity and the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, individuals in the following high-risk groups are recommended to get a spring COVID-19 booster dose if it has been at least six months, or 168 days, since their last COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed COVID-19 infection: adults 65 and older; residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges and congregate settings for seniors; individuals 18 and older living in congregate settings for people with complex medical needs; pregnant individuals; individuals 18 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; and, individuals 55 and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis and their non-Indigenous household members 55 and older.

In addition, all residents five and older who have not received a COVID-19 booster dose since September 1, 2022, continue to be encouraged to receive a COVID-19 booster dose if it has been at least six months, or 168 days, since their last COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed COVID-19 infection. A confirmed COVID-19 infection is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 by molecular (e.g., PCR) test or rapid antigen test, or having symptoms after being in close contact with a household member who has tested positive.

Individuals who have received a COVID-19 booster dose since September 1, 2022 and who are not part of a high-risk group, are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. Recommendations for the next booster dose for this group will be available closer to fall 2023.

To book an appointment at a community immunization or pop-up clinic, visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or call 1-888-444-5113. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at pharmacies and select health care providers. For more information visit durham.ca/WhereToGetVaccinated.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/COVIDVaccines.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.