Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
On August 17, 2021, the province announced updates to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to protect individuals most at risk of serious illness from the virus. Ontario’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility | Ontario Newsroom
A complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series provides strong protection against COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes, including against the Delta variant, in the general population. However, for some populations, a third dose may be required to provide sufficient protection based on a suboptimal or waning immune response to vaccines and increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
Certain immunocompromised individuals eligible for third doses are:
- Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
- Patients with hematological cancers (examples include lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) on active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for malignant hematologic disorders
- Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab)
On September 14, 2021 based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with NACI’s recommendation, the province will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional vulnerable populations:
- Those undergoing active treatment for solid tumors;
- Those who are in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell;
- Those with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome);
- Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; and
- Those undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.
September 14, 2021: Expanded Eligibility for Third Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine | Ontario Newsroom
Individuals in these groups can receive their third dose at a recommended interval of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program when they are eligible to receive the vaccine. Individuals unable to receive the vaccine from their providers can ask for a form from them indicating the patient’s eligibility. The form can be taken to participating physicians, who will administer the vaccine. The form can be taken to participating physicians, who will administer the vaccine.
Individuals in these groups are eligible to receive their third dose at a minimum of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program. Individuals unable to receive the vaccine from their providers can ask for a form from them indicating the patient’s eligibility. The form can be taken to participating physicians, who will administer the vaccine.
Immunocompromised clients who are unable to access a third-dose vaccine from their healthcare provider may attend any of the vaccine clinics hosted by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. No appointment is necessary. Clients must be eligible in the categories described above and must provide the written provincial documentation signed by their physician, including the physician’s CPSO number. No other document or attestation will be accepted.
Media Release, August 31, 2021: Third Dose Vaccine for Certain Immunocompromised Patients - News Releases (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
Note: Individuals eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may also visit a local pharmacy location. Find a location here: COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations (ontario.ca)
Individuals in congregate settings eligible for third doses are:
- Residents of high-risk congregate settings including long-term care homes, higher-risk licensed retirement homes and First Nations elder care lodges
Third doses will be offered to these individuals within the home. The third dose can be administered at a minimum of five months following their second dose.
Media Release, August 31, 2021: Third Dose Vaccine in High-Risk Congregate Settings - News Releases (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
Note: Note: Individuals eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may also visit a local pharmacy location. Find a location here: COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations (ontario.ca)