COVID-19 booster recommended for high-risk individuals

The Ontario government has issued a statement about COVID-19 booster shots.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, is recommending that high-risk individuals get a booster shot this spring if they are eligible.

The province’s top doctor notes that this is in line with recommendations from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations.

“Staying up to date with vaccinations continues to be our best defense against COVID-19 and I’m strongly encouraging everyone, especially those with an increased risk of severe infection, to get all boosters available. We are grateful to all Ontarians for taking the time to get vaccinated and I’m encouraging everyone to keep helping reduce the spread of respiratory illness by staying home when they feel sick, washing their hands often and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze,” said Moore, in a statement released by the province.

People can get a shot if it has been at least six months since their last dose or COVID-19 infection.

Here is who is considered high-risk, according to the province.

• Individuals aged 65 years and older;
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges, and other congregate living settings for seniors;
• Individuals aged 18 years and older living in a congregate care setting for people with complex medical care needs;
• Pregnant individuals;
• Individuals aged 18 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; and
• Individuals aged 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 55 years and older.

The province says that it is recommended that children 5 and up who have not had a booster or an infection since September 2022, get an updated shot.

Ontario expects to release more information closer to the fall about other groups of people.