Expanded eligibility for third doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Appointments opening Dec. 13 for individuals 50+

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. 13 at 8 a.m. Durham Region residents 50 and older (born in 1971 or earlier) 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 168 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.

In addition, on Dec. 2, the Ontario government announced that individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 56 days after their second dose due to a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Effective immediately, individuals receiving dialysis can be referred to Lakeridge Health by their health care provider. The referral form is available via www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca on the COVID-19 information page.

Also, the Ontario government recommends individuals be re-vaccinated with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series after receiving:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT)
• Hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic)
• CAR-T-cell therapy

Re-vaccination of these individuals is recommended due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant. Decisions regarding the timing for re-vaccination should be made on a case-by-case basis. Individuals eligible for re-vaccination should consult their medical team for further information.

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.

Residents 50 and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can begin booking third dose appointments at Durham Region community immunization clinics on Dec. 13. Community immunization clinics are currently open in all area municipalities. Eligible residents can also attend upcoming pop-up and 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.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department