Starting on Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 a.m., all Ontarians over 18 can book an appointment for a second COVID-19 vaccine booster shot through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose. While most individuals aged 18 to 59 years old will continue to have strong protection more than six months after their first booster dose, keeping up to date on immunization is a key way to protect yourself and others.
More from the Chief Medical Officer of Health's announcement:
- A new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to be approved by Health Canada this fall, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants.
- The Chief Medical Officer also acknowledged today that Ontario is in a 7th wave driven by the BA.5 variant.
- Free rapid tests will continue to be available in retail settings, pharmacies, schools, hospitals and long-term care facilities until Dec. 31, 2022.
- No changes were announced with respect to provincial masking mandates, but Dr. Moore said they could return if health care capacity is threatened. Toronto Public Health continues to recommend wearing a well-fitting, high quality mask in indoor public spaces (especially if crowded) and for added protection if you are a senior or have a health condition.