On July 13, the government announced that it was expanding eligibility for 4th dose COVID-19 vaccines to everyone over the age of 18. It had previously only been available to those considered high risk:
- an individual aged 60 and over
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals or a non-Indigenous household member aged 18 and over
- a resident of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge or an older adult living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
- an individual who is moderately to severely immunocompromised
Healthcare providers have been getting questions from people who are now eligible but are uncertain of the benefit. Below are resources that we hope can be of assistance.
- Script about boosters to email patients
- Answers to common questions
- Updated patient factsheet Do I need a COVID booster? When should I get it? in the Confused About COVID series
Continue to encourage eligible patients to get their third dose if they haven’t already done so. Evidence shows vaccine effectiveness remains high six months after the third dose in otherwise healthy patients.