COVID-19 Booster Doses

Individuals aged five years and older should consider delaying their COVID-19 booster until Fall 2023

Effective July 7, 2023, individuals aged five years and older should consider delaying their COVID-19 booster until Fall 2023, as respiratory season commences, to maximize protection against COVID-19 outcomes when peak circulation of the virus is expected. For more information, please visit www.ontario.ca.

A booster dose prior to Fall 2023 may be appropriate for certain individuals based on their unique health status and personal situation. Individuals are encouraged to speak with a health care provider.

Recommendations for fall booster doses will be available closer to Fall 2023.

Find out when you should get your next dose.

Booster Doses Eligibility

Trying to figure out if you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose? We can help.

CK Public Health follows the Ontario Ministry of Health guidance on eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario.

Try the NEW Booster Dose Recommendation Tool!

Booster Doses Information

We answer your frequently asked questions about COVID-19 booster doses.

Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Dose

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine that targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant. Bivalent vaccines are available as booster doses for eligible individuals in Ontario aged 5 years of age and older.

Individuals age 5 and older may receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine product. The bivalent Moderna vaccine is approved for individuals 18 years and older. There is currently no approved booster vaccine for individuals less than 5 years of age.

Individuals who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, including individuals aged 65 and older, are recommended to get their next booster dose if it has been at least six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Individuals not at high-risk of severe COVID-19 illness should receive a booster dose if they have not had a booster dose since September 1, 2022 and have not had a COVID-19 infection in the last six months.

Appointments are strongly recommended and can be booked online (www.GetYourShotCK.ca) or by calling 519-351-1010.

COVID-19 vaccines can be given at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines will be available at the CK Public Health vaccination clinics. When booking your COVID-19 bivalent vaccine appointment, simply register for the timeslot that works best for you, and you can choose which vaccine you would like once you arrive to the clinic (Individuals must be 18 years of age to receive the Moderna bivalent vaccine)

For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, including locations, dates and times, visit www.CKPublicHealth.com/clinics

Getting Your Booster Dose

Getting your booster dose is easy. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics page to find the best option for you.

When should you get a booster after testing positive for COVID-19?

Individuals infected with COVID-19 after completion of their primary series, who are currently eligible for a booster, are recommended to receive booster six months after infection. As per NACI, emerging evidence indicates that a longer interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination is associated with improved antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines.

*A previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 is defined as a COVID-19 case confirmed by a molecular (e.g., PCR) or rapid antigen test, or symptomatic AND a household contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Can people have a different brand for their booster?

Can individuals who have a mixed series of viral vector and mRNA vaccines receive a booster dose?