Appointment bookings now open for fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for expanded eligibility groups

Whitby, Ontario - In line with the recent announcement from the province, Durham Region Health Department is expanding eligibility for fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible Durham Region residents can now book appointments which will be available starting on April 8. To book an appointment, please visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. No walk-ins will be available for fourth doses. Vaccines provided for fourth doses will be Pfizer Comirnaty BioNTech and Moderna Spikevax.

Residents can receive COVID-19 vaccine at several clinic locations throughout Durham Region including, community immunization clinics, pop-up and mobile clinics, and at select health care providers and participating pharmacies.

Eligible groups include residents 60 and older (must be 60 at time of vaccination) and First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members who are 18 and older. It is recommended that individuals receive their fourth dose 140 days (five months) after receiving their third dose. However, individuals may choose to receive a fourth dose at a minimum of 84 days (three months) after their third dose. Evidence indicates a longer interval between doses provides an improved immune response. If you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, it is recommended to wait three months after symptoms started or after testing positive to receive your fourth dose.

The province has been offering fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since December 30, 2021, to vulnerable populations including residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges and older adults in other congregate care settings that provide assisted-living and health services, which has helped to prevent serious outcomes in these populations during the Omicron wave. Expanding eligibility to additional groups provides an added layer of protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

To book an appointment and for clinic locations and hours, please visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. No walk-ins will be available for fourth doses. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact the Health Department.

Read this press release on the Region of Durham's website.