TORONTO—As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, parents and caregivers of children aged five to 11, will be able to book an appointment for a paediatric COVID-19 first booster dose.
Appointments can be made through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
In addition, eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating health care providers and participating pharmacies.
On Aug. 31, the Ministry of Health released an announcement updating public health guidelines to keep all Ontarians safe and healthy this Fall.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones reminded Canadians that the best way to continue to keep people healthy is to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. “Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters is still the best tool to keep people healthy and out of hospitals, and to ensure Ontario’s economy stays open," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“Expanding access to boosters for ages five to 11 will give parents more opportunities to protect themselves, their families and their communities this fall as kids go back to school and as people are spending more time indoors,” added Minister Jones.
The announcement indicated that in anticipation of the approval of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants, the province is working with public health units and sector partners to make sure doses are ready to be administered once supply is received from the federal government.
Details on the timing and eligibility for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be announced once Health Canada provides additional information and guidance.
The Ministry’s announcement added that although there are many tools already in place to keep Ontarians safe, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is updating public health guidance to manage COVID-19 during the respiratory illness season this Fall.
Some key highlights include:
- If you are in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, continue to self- monitor for symptoms. There is no longer a need to isolate but you should wear a mask for 10 days when in public.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or runny nose, stay home from school, work and social events until your fever is gone and symptoms are improving, get a rapid antigen test or, if eligible, a PCR test. Wear a mask for 10 days after and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk individuals and settings.
While we are updating our public health guidance, preventing COVID-19 and other infections is vital to keeping our families, schools and communities safe and healthy,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “I strongly encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of vaccine and booster doses that are recommended and available to them, which now includes the availability of a booster dose for children aged five to 11. Ontarians are also encouraged to protect one another by respecting public health guidance, including staying home and taking precautions if you are sick.”
With Omicron-specific vaccines on the horizon, expanded booster eligibility, continued access to testing and antivirals, and updated public health guidance, the Ministry of Health believes that Ontarians have the tools they need to make the best decisions for themselves on how to stay safe, healthy and out of hospitals as the province continues its efforts to support the recovery and rebuilding of the health system.