What to know as booster shots roll out
The rollout of COVID-19 booster vaccines in Ontario is already underway, with more than 290,000 shots given to those who are eligible as of late November. On Thursday, the province announced the extension of booster shot eligibility for those 50 or older, opening up third vaccine doses to 3.8 million more Ontarians on Dec. 13.
Ontario says more adults will be eligible for a third dose to increase their protection against COVID-19 in the new year. But uptake for these booster doses has been low so far, and many are wondering whether a third dose is right for them, or how and when to get one.
The Star got guidance from Dr. Susy Hota, an infectious disease specialist and head of infection prevention and control at University Health Network.
Why is a third vaccine shot for COVID-19 being offered?
For some immunocompromised people, Hota said there is evidence emerging that two doses may not be enough to offer strong protection, and a third dose is helpful in boosting immunity. Older people with two doses would also benefit from a third dose, Hota said, as lab results show antibody levels in some have decreased, meaning protection from the initial two doses is waning.
Who is eligible to get the booster now?
As of Dec. 13, people aged 50 and above are eligible to get a booster shot in Ontario if 168 days have passed since their second dose.
Others can also get the dose immediately if that time period has elapsed: People 70 and older; health-care workers and essential caregivers; people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson; and First Nations, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members.
Dialysis patients are eligible if 56 days have passed since their second dose.
How can I get the booster shot? The easiest way to book is through the Government of
Ontario website, where you will answer questions about eligibility.
Which vaccine is being offered for the booster in Ontario?
Hota said most available vaccines in Ontario are either Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA vaccines). There is no danger of mixing vaccines.
For those who received AstraZeneca, Hota said there is evidence suggesting they would be more protected if they received an mRNA vaccine as a third dose.
There’s a lot of talk about vaccine shortages elsewhere in the
world. Is it right for me to get a third dose?
Hota said that up until recently, it wasn’t seen as a necessity for younger, healthier people to get a booster shot so soon.
But with news of the Omicron variant and the unknowns surrounding it, Hota said there is a renewed urgency to avoid another potential wave of infections.
She added governments should consider sharing vaccine doses with countries who have limited supply, as it can be beneficial for ending the pandemic in the long run.