Fourth dose appointments available in Cambridge Thursday

Starting Thursday, anyone between the ages of 18-59 who has been waiting for a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can get it now that the province has expanded eligibility for a second booster.

High-risk individuals should get their second booster dose as soon as possible and many of them have been eligible to do so for months, including:

• Individuals aged 60 and older;
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older;
• Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted living and health services; and
• Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Anyone who is eligible for another dose of the vaccine is encouraged to get it from their local pharmacy or family doctor. Residents are eligible for a fourth dose five months (140 days) after their third dose; however, they can choose to get it at a minimum of three months (84 days) with informed consent.

Region of Waterloo Public Health is encouraging all residents to be up to date with their recommended number of vaccines. It is still the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness, particularly as we enter a seventh wave of COVID-19.

“I would also encourage people who haven’t received their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to get it now, especially if they are in a vulnerable group,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health. “Our community has the tools to reduce the impact of COVID-19 during a seventh wave, including staying up to date with vaccination, masking in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and improving indoor air ventilation.”

For the first time, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services will be using the provincial online booking system for appointments at regional vaccination clinics.

To accommodate the initial demand for fourth doses, appointments will be required. An appointment can be booked online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.

Regional vaccination clinics are located at 99 Regina Street (Waterloo), 99 Beechwood Road (Cambridge) and 30 Christopher Drive (Cambridge). For more information, visit: regionofwaterloo.ca/getavaccine.