Ottawa Public Health is increasing operations at community clinics, mobile clinics and neighbourhood hubs to respond to the provincial announcement regarding expanded availability of a fourth dose (second booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 18 and over.
Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months (140 days) after an individual receives their first booster dose.
Ottawa Public Health recommends that high-risk individuals get their second booster dose as soon as possible:
· Individuals 18+ who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
· Individuals aged 60 and over;
· First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; and
· Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services.
Ottawa residents seeking their second booster are encouraged to reach out to local pharmacies using the provincial pharmacy locator to find those that provide COVID-19 vaccines. Some primary care physicians are also providing boosters.
Residents can also book an appointment at a community clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Appointments are strongly recommended as drop-in capacity is limited. Please note for newly eligible adults aged 18 and older, booking will begin on Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 a.m.
It’s not too late for individuals to receive their first, second, or third dose. Ottawa Public Health encourages all residents to get vaccinated as soon as they can and to keep up to date on their vaccinations to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.