As the pandemic enters its third straight year, all possible measures are being taken to reduce numbers and ensure people stay healthy. 

“I encourage all youths between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their booster dose as soon as they’re eligible,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, EOHU chief medical officer of health. “The booster dose not only reduces your odds of getting infected by the Omicron variant, but also protects you from severe sickness if you do get infected. In addition, modelling projects that the higher the number of people vaccinated with the third dose, the better we will be able to move forward with removing pandemic restrictions successfully.” 

Individuals must be at least 12 years old at the time of their appointment, and 168 days must have passed since their second dose. Appointments can be made through the provincial booking system at www.Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1 833 943-3900. The booster can also be received through any participating pharmacy that administers the Pfizer vaccine, or through healthcare providers. Individuals who need assistance or special accommodations can call the EOHU at 1 800 267-7120. 

The EOHU is asking that people not try to make appointments if they do not yet qualify, or if it hasn’t been at least 168 days since their second dose.