Ontarians 18+ now eligible for second COVID-19 boosters

By Brock Weir

All Ontarians 18+ are now eligible for their second COVID-19 booster shots.

Health Minister – and Dufferin-Caledon MPP – Sylvia Jones announced the expansion of eligibility on Wednesday morning.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, all individuals 18 years of age or older can book their vaccine through the Province's COVID-19 vaccination portal, through their local public health units, and through the systems of participating pharmacies.

“As we continue to manage COVID-19 for the long term, we're expanding second booster doses and extending the availability of free rapid antigen tests to give people the tools they need to stay safe and to ensure Ontario stays open,” said Minister Jones in a statement. “Vaccines continue to be our best defence against COVID-19 and protecting our hospital capacity for those who need it most.”

Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose, the Province noted, adding that people between the ages of 18 to 59 will still have “strong protection” more than six months after their first booster.

“Expanding second booster dose eligibility will ensure that Ontarians can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances,” said the Ontario Government in a statement. “A new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to be approved by Health Canada this fall, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants. Ontarians are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether getting a second booster dose now is right for them.”

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, said expanding booster eligibility will “empower Ontarians to make the best decisions for their circumstances and help keep our communities safe.”

“Staying up to date on vaccination is the best protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19,” he said. 

For more information, including how to book your vaccine through Peel Public Health's portal, visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.