COVID-19 vaccine boosters now available for youth aged 12 to 17
Special to WC Online
OTTAWA – The Province of Ontario recently announced expanded eligibility for COVID-19 boosters to include all youth aged 12 to 17.
The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) also recently released new guidelines on the suggested interval between COVID-19 infection and booster doses for those aged 12 and older.
“Effective immediately, youth aged 12 to 17 can receive their third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Ottawa Public Health (OPH) vaccination clinics,” OPH released in a statement today (Feb. 17). Drop-ins are welcome at all the clinics.
Please visit the OPH webpage for clinic locations and hours. Please consult our website regularly as clinic hours are subject to change.
“If preferred, booster appointments can be booked, starting Friday, Feb. 18, online through the provincial booking system or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900,” the OPH said. “Boosters for this age group are also available at some pharmacies administering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.”
Individuals must be 12 years old on the day they receive the vaccine and six months (168 days) must have passed since their second dose. A longer interval like this between doses results in a stronger immune response and is expected to also be longer lasting. This age group will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
“Vaccination continues to be the strongest protection against COVID-19, even for those with a prior COVID-19 infection,” OPH said. “While infection alone may provide some protection, vaccination following infection is expected to strengthen the immune response and to provide a more robust and longer-lasting protection against COVID-19.”
The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) recommends waiting three months after the onset of symptoms or after a positive test for COVID-19 before receiving a booster dose of the vaccine.
Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19 to learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and others and what to do if you suspect you may be infected with the virus.
