Get your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for the best protection

Waterloo Region – Residents of Waterloo Region are being encouraged to get both doses of vaccine for the best level of protection against the COVID-19 virus and the circulating variants of concern. It is an important decision to get a second dose to protect yourself and the ones you love.

Yesterday, the Province announced a strategy to increase second-dose coverage in areas where there is a higher incidence of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, Waterloo Region is one of seven areas in the province targeted for an accelerated distribution of second doses.

Starting on Monday, June 14, anyone who received a first dose of vaccine prior to May 9 can request an earlier second-dose appointment by completing a form on the Region of Waterloo website: Second dose rebooking request.

Some individuals with the highest-risk health conditions and those 70+ are already eligible for a shortened second-dose interval. Those who previously completed the second dose rebooking request form on the Region’s website do not need to complete it again.

“We will continue to expand the appointment capacity at our existing vaccination clinics to accelerate the distribution of second doses in Waterloo Region,” said Shirley Hilton, Deputy Chief for Waterloo Region Police Service and head of the Waterloo Region Vaccine Distribution Task Force. “We’ll add locations and mobile clinics wherever they are needed so residents of all neighbourhoods have the best level of protection as quickly as possible.”

There is evidence that the Delta variant is the most dominant form of the COVID-19 virus in circulation and that it is more easily transmitted from person to person. As a result, it is important to continue to follow safety measures such as wearing a mask in public places and practicing physical distancing with those outside of your household.

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