As the Omicron variant quickly becomes the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, the provincial government is speeding up its rollout of the booster shot.
Premier Doug Ford announced on Wednesday that Ontarians aged 18 and over will be eligible to book their booster shot starting on Monday. The province previously announced that it would roll out the booster dose for this age group beginning January 4.
The government has also shortened the interval between the second and third dose of the vaccine from six months to three months (84 days).
“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, we need all hands on deck to help limit transmission and protect our hospital capacity,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a news release. “A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine offers additional protection against the Omicron variant, and I urge everyone to get their booster dose as soon as you can. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the vaccine, now is the time.”
Anyone 50 years old who has already booked an appointment for their booster shot can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to re-book for an earlier date at the three-month interval. Appointments can be changed through Ontario’s booking portal starting on Monday.
Pharmacies will also be able to provide the booster shot to eligible recipients for walk-in appointments starting Friday.
As well, the Ontario government has announced that it is reintroducing stricter capacity limits on several indoor areas and venues. Starting on Saturday, a 50 per cent capacity limit will be imposed on the following facilities with a usual capacity of 1,000 or more:
- Sports and recreational fitness facilities
- Concert venues
- Theatres and cinemas
- Racing venues
- Meeting and event spaces
- Museums and galleries
- Aquariums, zoos, and science centres
- Landmarks and historic sites
- Casinos and other gaming establishments
Up to two million rapid tests are also being provided to pop-up testing sites across the province, beginning Wednesday. Take-home rapid tests will also be made available at select LCBO stores.