Expanded eligibility for third doses for COVID-19 vaccine

Appointments opening Dec. 20 for individuals 18+

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department will be expanding eligibility for third doses of COVID-19 vaccine, as recently announced by the province. Beginning Dec. 20 at 8 a.m. Durham Region residents 18 and older are eligible to receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible individuals can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a minimum of 84 days after receiving their second dose. Booster doses are being accelerated for this population to provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and its variants.

Due to rapid expansion of eligibility, appointments may not be available immediately. Appointments continue to be added as additional sites and staffing resources are secured.

In addition, on Dec. 15, the Ontario government announced that individuals 50 and older (born in 1971 or earlier) are eligible to receive a third dose at a shortened interval of 84 days after receiving their second. There is currently no availability in Durham Region Health Department’s booking system to move up third dose appointments that are already booked.

There are many options for eligible Durham Region residents to receive their third dose, including participating pharmacies, health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccine and at Durham Region community immunization clinics. Eligible residents can also attend upcoming Provincial GO-VAXX mobile walk-in vaccine clinics to receive their third dose. For a list of clinics, hours of operation or to book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113.

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

- 30 -

For more information, please contact the Health Department.