The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) released its guidance for a fall booster campaign late last month. The committee recommended that those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 be offered the vaccine in the fall, adding that anyone between the ages of 12 and 64 may also be eligible at that time. Although all provinces offer a fourth dose to eligible groups, as of June 19 just over half of Canadians have yet to receive their third dose, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). “I would really redouble those efforts, in terms of getting a fourth dose to the most vulnerable and a third dose to a lot of people who are still eligible but haven’t received them yet,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch. While most provinces already offer a fourth payment (or, for the general population, a second boost) to their most vulnerable residents, some — like Quebec and Prince Edward Island — have greatly expanded eligibility. WATCHES | The infectious disease specialist says that the 3rd and 4th shots are important at this time:
3rd and 4th shots of COVID-19 are both important right now, says expert
Infection specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch explains who benefits most from the fourth dose of COVID-19, but also emphasizes the need for many people to simply get a third dose. “Those who would benefit most from a fourth dose are people at the older end of the spectrum and people with underlying medical conditions that put them at greater risk of serious infection,” Bogoch said, speaking specifically to the July 2022 eligibility guidelines. “That’s what the evidence suggests,” he said. “So even if he does open up, just remember that he would benefit more from a fourth dose.” CBC News has compiled eligibility guidelines from each province and territory.
The North and West Coast
Agnes Mills, who is 85, was the first person in the Yukon to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Last week, the Yukon government extended eligibility for a fourth shot to Yukoners age 18 and older. (Mark Kelly Photography/Government of Yukon) Last week, Yukon Gov expanded eligibility for a fourth shot. All people aged 18 and over can now book a fourth shot if six months have passed since their third shot. Appointments start on July 13th. For those who have recently had COVID-19, the fourth shot (or second booster) is not recommended until three months have passed. In the Northwest Territories, all people aged 50 and over and all immunocompromised people aged 12 and over can receive a fourth dose. According to NACI guidelines, the territory recommends that people wait at least six months after their third dose before booking another shot. Nunavut residents age 18 and older are eligible for a fourth dose if four and a half months have passed since their last dose. Some jurisdictions prioritize certain age groups. In British Columbia, everyone 12 years and older is encouraged to get a booster shot this fall if it’s been six months since their last dose. The groups currently eligible for a fourth dose are people aged 70 and over. people in long-term care or awaiting placement in long-term care; Indigenous people aged 55 and over. and in all immunocompromised people.
The Meadows
A scene from the COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Thompson, Man. on February 1, 2021. Among other groups, all Manitobans age 50 and older are eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine. (Tyson Koschik/CBC) In Alberta, people over 70 are eligible for a fourth installment. First Nations, Métis and Inuit age 65 and older. and all older people living in residential care, regardless of age. According to latest data available from the Public Health Service of Canada, 38 percent of Alberta’s population has received a third dose. In Saskatchewan, all people 50 and older are eligible for a fourth dose if at least four months have passed since their last shot. Groups eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine in Manitoba are people age 50 and older. First Nations, Inuit and Métis aged 30 and over. residents of personal care homes and elderly people living in assisted living facilities; and moderately to severely immunocompromised people aged 18 to 49 years.
Central Canada
Vaccibus Mobile Clinic of Gatineau, Que. is making a stop at the Université du Québec en Outaouais the first week of September 2021. Quebec has extended eligibility for a fourth dose of the vaccine to all residents age 18 and older. (Hugo Belanger/Radio-Canada) In Ontario, people age 60 and over can get their fourth dose, as can Inuit, Métis and First Nations people who are 18 and over. The province’s chief medical officer of health will provide an update on access on Wednesday morning. Quebec and Ontario officially entered the seventh wave of the pandemic last week, with the Omicron BA.5 subvariant dominating both provinces. Meanwhile, Quebec has expanded eligibility to all residents aged 18 and over, although a provincial spokesperson confirmed to CBC News that the province prioritizes people aged 60 and over, all with underlying medical conditions and in those at higher risk of complications from COVID -19.
Atlantic Canada
The Halifax Convention Center clinic is shown in this photo. Current Nova Scotia guidelines allow fourth doses for people age 50 and older if 168 days have passed since their last dose. (Robert Short/CBC) Prince Edward Island’s chief public health officer announced last week that the province has expanded eligibility for a fourth shot to every resident age 12 and older as the number of positive cases of COVID-19 increases among islanders. In Newfoundland and Labrador, those eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine are people age 70 and older. all people living in an aged care setting; and Indigenous people or people living in a remote or isolated Indigenous community aged 18 and over. Starting Tuesday, all New Brunswickers age 18 and older are eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine if it’s been five months since their last vaccination. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Jennifer Russell announced the decision as hospitalizations rise across the province. Current Nova Scotia guidelines allow fourth doses for people age 50 and older if 168 days have passed since their last dose. For all residents of long-term care and senior living. members of First Nations communities who are 55 years of age or older; and immunocompromised people 50 years of age or older, the recommended interval between doses is 120 days.
Book here for an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer). Book here for a non-mRNA vaccine (Janssen, Novavax). mRNA vaccines are recommended for most people in Canada.
