Ontario expands fourth COVID-19 dose eligibility starting Thursday

Ontario has expanded eligibility for a fourth COVID-19 dose starting Thursday.

The province says fourth doses will be offered to people who are 60 and older, as well as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members who are 18 and older.

Doses are being offered at a recommended interval of five months after their last booster.

Those who are eligible will be able to book their appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling 1-833-943-3900.

They will also be able to make an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led clinics, participating pharmacies, and other participating primary care settings.

Fourth doses have already been available to long-term care and retirement home residents. Immunocompromised people have also been eligible.

The fourth dose plans come after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization advised the country to prepare the roll out in the coming weeks.

The committee is recommending provinces prioritize people aged 80 and older and long-term care residents.

They also strongly recommend fourth doses for people between the ages of 70 and 79.

NACI says it’s still studying whether second booster shots are necessary for younger adults and adolescents.