Region will be ready to give COVID booster shots starting Dec. 13

Region of Waterloo Public Health says it will be ready to give COVID-19 booster shots to those eligible starting December 13.

The provincial government announced Thursday that the boosters would be made available to those 50 years of age and older.

Residents will be able to get a booster dose from a participating pharmacy, at many doctor’s offices (for their patients), or at a regional vaccination clinic.

Appointments can be booked now, but have to be for Dec. 13 or later.

The third doses needs to be at least six months after your second.

The rest of the details below were contained in a news release issued by the region.

The Province also identified other individuals who should receive additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines:

• Effective immediately, individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible for a third dose if it has been 56 days since their second dose.
• Effective immediately, the Province is recommending re-vaccination with a new COVID-19 primary series post transplantation for individuals who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants, hematopoietic cell transplants (autologous or allogeneic), and recipients of CAR-T-cell therapy due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant.

Members of the community can find which pharmacies and family physicians are giving COVID-19 vaccines on the Region of Waterloo website. Please check their websites for an online booking option.

Residents can also book an appointment to get a third dose at a regional vaccination clinic on the Region of Waterloo website: regionofwaterloo.ca/VaccineBook.

As well as administering third doses to eligible residents, regional vaccination clinics are prioritizing first and second doses for 5-11 year olds.

Home-based vaccination is an option for individuals who have difficulty accessing the vaccine in the community. Complete the Retirement Home and Homebound Vaccination Request form on the Region of Waterloo website.