Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine to be Offered to All Retirement Home Residents

Yesterday, the government approved the recommendation by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization that will result in all seniors living in Ontario’s retirement homes being eligible to receive a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately.
 
The recommended interval for residents of retirement homes to receive a third dose is at least 5 months after their second dose. This is consistent with the schedule of other vaccines that similarly utilize an additional dose to boost the immune response. This recommended interval will be maintained to ensure consistency in the ongoing Ontario vaccination program for these retirement home residents. Some residents may receive shorter intervals due to operational considerations when boosting entire facilities. 
 
RHRA anticipates the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility will share implementation details as soon as these become available.
 
For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations.