The Eastern Ontario Heath Unit (EOHU) is advising all youths aged 12 to 17 years old that they will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster dose as of Friday, February 18^th at 8:00 A.M.

“I encourage all youths between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their booster dose as soon as they’re eligible,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, 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.”

Appointments are available through the provincial vaccine booking system at www.Ontario.ca/bookvaccine and through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1 833 943-3900. Individuals who need assistance or special accommodations can call the EOHU at 1 800 267-7120.

Youths aged 12 and over can also receive their booster dose through a partnering pharmacy that administers the Pfizer vaccine, or through their health care provider.

Individuals must be at least 12 years old at the time of their appointment. Youths will be able to book an appointment for their third dose booster approximately 6 months (or 168 days) after they received their second dose.

If you do not fall within one of the eligible groups for a third dose, or you have not reached the minimum interval of 168 days since your second dose, please do NOT try to schedule an appointment or walk-in. We are requesting everyone’s collaboration and patience as we continue this enormous vaccination effort. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to access it, please visit www.EOHU.ca/vaccines.