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Ontarians 18+ Eligible for Bivalent Booster Starting Tomorrow

TORONTO — The Ontario government is reminding individuals that starting tomorrow, September 26, all adults aged 18 and over are eligible to receive the bivalent booster dose, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants.

Appointments can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900. Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating health care providers and participating pharmacies.

“With the start of the fall and winter respiratory illness season, it is especially important to make sure people stay up to date with their vaccines,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are the best tool to keep people healthy and out of hospitals, and to ensure Ontario’s economy stays open as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors.”

Also, as of September 26, 2022, the new paediatric Pfizer vaccine will be another vaccine available for children aged between six months to under five years old. Parents and caregivers can continue to book appointments through the same methods as for the bivalent vaccination.

“The bivalent COVID-19 booster provides better protection against the currently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We also know that getting your child vaccinated improves their immune response to COVID-19 infection and reduces the possibility of severe disease and hospitalization and post COVID-19 symptoms.”

COVID-19 vaccines, along with continued access to testing and antivirals and updated public health guidance, give Ontarians the tools they need to make the best decisions for themselves on how to stay safe, healthy and out of hospitals as the province continues its efforts to support the recovery and rebuilding of the health system.

Quick Facts

  • Individuals who are eligible to receive a bivalent booster can do so at a recommended interval of six months (168 days) from their previous dose, or a minimum interval of three months (84 days), regardless of how many booster doses they have already received. Individuals who would like to receive their bivalent booster between three months and the recommended six-month interval, or who otherwise have difficulty booking their appointment online, must call the PVCC to book an appointment.
  • Vulnerable individuals such as individuals aged 70 and over, and moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over are strongly recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they can (i.e., at 84 days since previous dose), upon discussion with their health care provider, to protect themselves this fall as people spend more time indoors.
  • The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for infants and children aged six months to under five years, including those who are immunocompromised is a three-dose primary series, with a recommended dosing interval of eight weeks between doses. Mixing products for your infant or child’s primary series doses is not recommended. Your child should receive the same product for all their primary series doses, whether it is Pfizer or Moderna.
  • To make the best decision for your family, contact your health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak with a health specialist. Alternatively, visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse or the www.shn.ca/vaxfacts to speak with a qualified Scarborough Health Network doctor. More information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth can also be found here.
  • For more information about treatment options, contact your primary care provider, visit a clinical assessment centre, or call Health Connect Ontario at 811 or 1-866-797-0007 (toll-free TTY) for more information on treatments, assistance, or eligibility for virtual care options.

Additional Resources