Updates from Ottawa Public Health - March 9, 2023
Following the Provincial announcement on eligibility for third doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccines, Ottawa Public Health is expanding capacity at its four community clinics to operate seven days per week.
This applies to the following clinic locations:
- University of Ottawa – Minto Sports Complex
- JH Putman School
- Eva James Memorial Centre
- Orleans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA
Based on recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the province will begin offering third doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine to the following vulnerable populations if at least six months have passed since their last dose:
- Individuals aged 70 and over (born in 1951 or earlier);
- Health care workers;
- Designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff);
- Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults (16+) and their non-Indigenous household members.
All Ottawa residents who meet these criteria will be able to book an appointment for their third dose through the provincial COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, starting Saturday November 6 at 8 am. Appointments are encouraged, as drop-in availability is limited.
Eligible residents can also reach out to select local pharmacies for their third dose, using the provincial pharmacy locator to find those that provide the booster dose. Many healthcare workers and first responders will have the opportunity to receive their third dose through their employer.
A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given at least twenty-four weeks (six months) after the second dose. All booster doses will be mRNA vaccines. Mixing COVID-19 vaccines is safe, effective, and enables Ontarians to benefit from the protection of a booster dose. We encourage all those eligible to book an appointment and get their third COVID-19 vaccine at their local pharmacy or a community clinic.
Getting your third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine does not impact your flu vaccine – COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or before/after other vaccines. Individuals two years of age and older can visit participating pharmacies to receive their flu vaccine. Individuals aged six months and older may also receive their flu vaccine from their family doctor or nurse practitioner. Anyone aged six months and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario is eligible to receive the publicly funded flu vaccine at no cost.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine.
