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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late
Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.