Starting
today, April 7 at 8 am, individuals aged 60 and older are eligible to
book a fourth dose (booster) appointment if the recommended interval of
five months (140 days) has passed since their third dose. First Nation,
Inuit and Métis individuals and their household members aged 18 and over
are also eligible.
The goal of this expanded eligibility is to provide individuals at higher-risk of illness from COVID-19 with an extra layer of
protection. This follows recent guidance from the National Advisory Council on Immunization, and aligns with the provincial announcement on expanded fourth dose eligibility.
Older
adults are at greater risk of severe disease, complications, and
hospitalizations from COVID-19. With the current surge of COVID-19 in
Ottawa and across the province, Ottawa Public Health highly recommends
all eligible adults receive a fourth dose as soon as possible.
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can book their fourth dose through the COVID-19 vaccination portal,
by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 or
by checking local pharmacies to find locations that provide fourth doses
near you. Residents are encouraged to make an appointment as
drop-in availability will be limited at community vaccine clinics. Some
primary care physicians are also providing booster doses.
It’s not too late if you still need your first, second, or third
dose.
Ottawa Public Health encourages all residents to get vaccinated as soon
as they can, and to receive further doses as soon as they are eligible
to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.
Ottawa
Public Health has offered fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since
December 2021 to high-risk populations including older adults in
long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other congregate care
settings. These fourth doses have helped to prevent serious disease,
complications, hospitalizations and death during the Omicron wave.
To
reduce transmission of COVID-19, Ottawa Public Health continues to
highly recommend individuals wear a mask indoors especially when
physical distancing may not be possible or proves to be challenging in
crowded areas. If you become unwell or have any symptoms, stay home. Do
not go to work or school when you are sick and have a plan in the event
you or someone in your household need to isolate.
Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19
to learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and others
and what to do if you suspect you may be infected with the virus. You
can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca,
call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City
using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thursday, 7 April 2022
City of Ottawa - Fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine now available to residents 60 and older
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