NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGION
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Region of Waterloo vaccination clinics are ready to give booster doses to more groups eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A third dose will offer better protection while the Delta variant is still circulating in the community.
Today, the Province announced the following groups are now eligible for a third dose six months (168 days) after their second dose:
- All Ontarians 70 years of age and older
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults and non-Indigenous adults in their households
- Health care workers
- Designated essential caregivers in congregate settings
- Anyone who received a complete vaccine series with a viral vector vaccine (either two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine)
Adults who are eligible for a booster dose, and who are under 70 years of age, will receive either a full dose of the Pfizer vaccine or a half dose of the Moderna vaccine.
Effective immediately, residents who are now eligible for a third dose can book their appointment at a regional vaccination clinic on the Region of Waterloo website: regionofwaterloo.ca/GetaVaccine
“Although the focus has been to administer a complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, booster doses are being offered as vaccine effectiveness may decrease over time,” said Dr. Julie Emili, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “A third dose is being offered to increase protection and prevent outbreaks in vulnerable populations.”
Mobile vaccination clinics are being planned for First Nations, Métis and Inuit residents in culturally safe spaces. An Indigenous immunizer is also available at the Cambridge Pinebush vaccination clinic.
Home-based vaccination is an option for individuals who have difficulty accessing the vaccine in the community. Complete the Retirement Home and Homebound Vaccination Request form on the Region of Waterloo website.
Third doses are also available from some family physicians for their patients and at many pharmacies. Please check to see if you can book an appointment at your local pharmacy online.
The Region of Waterloo has created a vaccine stand-by list for regional vaccination clinics to make it easier for residents to access end-of-day doses. Residents who are eligible for the vaccine can sign up between Friday and Monday to be on the following week’s stand-by list: https://surveys.regionofwaterloo.ca/EndofDayStandbyList
As well as administering third doses to eligible residents, the Region of Waterloo is planning to make it a top priority to administer first and second doses to 5-11 years old when the COVID-19 vaccine is approved for this age group by Health Canada.
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