Following Provincial direction, effective December 13, 2021 at 8 a.m., individuals in Hamilton ages 50 years old and above are eligible to book an appointment to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if at least six months (168 days) have passed since their last dose.
Booster doses are being offered to these groups based on evidence of gradual waning immunity six months after receiving their second dose and a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Offering the extra layer of protection provided by a booster dose will contribute to the fight against COVID-19.
In addition, due to a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, effective immediately individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 56 days since their second dose. Also, effective immediately, the Province is recommending re-vaccination with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series post-transplantation for individuals who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic), and recipients of CAR-T-cell therapy, due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant.
Booking an appointment for third and booster doses
All third and booster doses are available by appointment only, no walk-in option available. Appointments can be booked by visiting www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.
Hamilton Public Health Services continues to work closely with hospital, primary care, pharmacy, Hamilton Paramedic Service and other community organizations to offer COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible community members with health equity principles at the foundation of Hamilton’s vaccine program.
QUICK FACTS
The Hamilton healthcare partners continue to make progress in vaccinating eligible community members. To date, 900,618 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered – with 86.3 per cent of eligible Hamiltonians receiving a vaccine to date and 83.4 per cent fully vaccinated.
Hamilton’s focus continues to be administering both first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine while ensuring expansion as needed.
Evidence continues to show that a complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series provides strong protection against COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes in the general population.
Vaccine administration rates may differ based on local context.
All vaccination planning is based on and contingent on available COVID-19 vaccine supply.
It is vital that members of the public, even those who have been vaccinated, ensure that public health measures still be practiced until it is safe and said to be safe by the health professionals in all levels of government.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline: 905-974-9848, option 7 or phscovidvaccine@hamilton.ca
Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca
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