Eligibility for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine expands Thursday to include Ontario residents over the age of 60, along with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and their non-Indigenous household members over the age of 18.
“Appointment booking for fourth doses is now available through our online booking portal,” said Dr. Rebecca Comley, Brant’s acting medical officer of health. “The recommended interval between a third and fourth dose is five months (140 days).”
Comley noted that a fourth dose may be offered as early as three months or 84 days with informed consent.
The Brant County Health Unit will continue to operate vaccination clinics. People are encouraged to monitor the online booking portal at www.bchu.org/COVID19Vaccines for additional clinic locations and dates.
Comley said select pharmacies and primary-care settings are participating in the vaccine rollout, and eligible individuals should contact their local pharmacy or primary care provider for information on how to book an appointment.
“As COVID-19 continues to be present within our community, a fourth dose vaccine acts as an additional layer of protection,” she said. “This is beneficial for individuals who are at both highest risk for severe disease, and who may have a less effective or less sustained immune response from vaccination.”
Comley noted that the vaccine supply remains stable locally, with both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available at BCHU clinics.
Previously, the fourth dose booster was limited to moderate to severe immune compromised individuals over the age of 18, who completed their three dose primary series more than 84 days ago.
Residents of retirement homes, long-term care homes, and elderly living in chronic care hospitals and assisted-living facilities are already eligible for a fourth dose.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says it’s still studying whether second booster shots are necessary for younger adults and adolescents.
In regard to Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, the provincial government has provided guidance for eligibility at covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-antiviral-treatment.
“Certain individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may be eligible for time sensitive antiviral treatment,” Comley explained. “Treatment eligibility is determined by time of symptom onset, age, vaccination status and underlying chronic health conditions.”
She noted that Paxlovid has many medication interactions, meaning it cannot be taken by some individuals who take certain chronic medications. Depending on eligibility criteria, individuals may be referred to St. Joseph’s Hospital COVID-19 Care Clinic in Hamilton to access antiviral treatment.
“It is important to know if you are eligible to access antiviral treatment in advance of an infection,” Comley said. “Visit the Province of Ontario’s website or speak to your primary care provider for more information about COVID-19 treatment options.