Waterloo Region ready to give booster doses to residents 50+ starting December 13

Waterloo Region – Starting Monday, December 13, residents of Waterloo Region who are 50 years of age and older can get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months (168 days) after their second dose. 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.

Today, the Province announced individuals in this age group will be eligible starting December 13 for a third dose to increase their protection against the COVID-19 virus. Members of the public should verify when they got their second dose by checking their vaccine receipt or the enhanced vaccine certificate (with QR code) they downloaded from the provincial website.

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.

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