Everything you need to know to book your booster dose appointment in Ontario
Beginning on Monday, Ontarians 18 years of age and older will be able to book appointments to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The expanded eligibility was announced by Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday, amid a spike in cases and growing concerns around the Omicron variant.
A report issued Wednesday from Public Health Ontario suggests that the Omicron variant likely already accounts for more than 80 per cent of the COVID-19 cases being confirmed in the province each day.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieren Moore, told Ontarians on Wednesday that a robust third dose strategy is critical given how fast the Omicron variant is spreading.
Who is eligible to receive their booster dose in Ontario?
Starting Monday at 8 a.m., everyone 18 years of age and older in Ontario will be able to book an appointment for a booster dose.
To receive your booster dose, at least three months will have to have passed since your second dose — an interval that was shortened from six months by Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday.
How do I book my booster dose in Ontario?
Residents can book their shot through the Ontario vaccine portal. If using this booking method, be prepared with a valid email address and a green photo health card.
If you don’t have these on hand, or would rather book an appointment using the phone, you can call the provincial vaccine contact centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Bookings can also be made directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings.
What pharmacies are offering booster doses near me?
To find a pharmacy near you offering booster doses, search for your postal code here.
How long will I have to wait at the clinic/pharmacy/facility after receiving my booster dose?
Due to the Omicron variant, Ontario has allowed for a temporary shortened recommended wait time after receiving a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Previously, patients were held for 15 minutes prior to receiving their dose, but that recommended interval has been shortened to five.
The government says the shortened wait time can be implemented if physical distancing cannot be maintained in waiting rooms and that the strategy will also allow more patients to be immunized in a given time period.
However, your post-shot wait time will be decided by the facility in which you receive your third dose, so residents should confirm how long they are expected to stay at the facility with staff.
Are two or three doses considered fully vaccinated now?
Presently, the term ‘fully vaccinated’ still refers to an individual who has received their two-dose primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.
As more Ontarians become eligible for booster shots, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieren Moore said that discussions were underway in the province to potentially redefine what it means to be fully vaccinated – whether two doses or three doses qualifies.
“We certainly are encouraging all those that are eligible at present for the third dose to get theirs and we'll be following the immune protection of a third dose against Omicron to understand what immunologically represents the best protection. That may change the definition of what is fully immunized,” Moore said.
What should I do if I received AstraZeneca for my first dose?
The Ontario government is currently recommending that anyone who received AstraZeneca as a first or second dose receive an mRNA vaccine for their booster dose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.