Ontario Opens Dual Recall Appointments to Anyone Age 12 and Older

Ontario is opening appointments for anyone age 12 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine targeting Omicron starting next week.

While the province is expected to receive its first shipments of the bivalent Pfizer vaccine from the federal government this week, Ontarians aged 12 to 17 will be able to make appointments starting Monday, the health ministry said.

“We are entering the fall season where traditionally we see an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19,” Chief Medical Officer Dr Kieran Moore said in a press release Thursday.

« Vaccines improve your immune response and reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and post-infectious symptoms. »

The province made the bivalent vaccine available to its most vulnerable populations earlier this month.

The ministry said the recommended wait between injections is six months from the last booster dose, but the minimum interval is 84 days.

“We recommend that Ontarians stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines at the appropriate interval since their last dose, and get the flu shot annually when available,” Moore said.

From Nov. 1, flu vaccines will also be available and can be safely given at the same time, or any time before or after the COVID-19 vaccine, the ministry said.