Lambton Public Health Expands COVID-19 Third Dose Eligibility

Point Edward, ON – Based on guidance from the Province of Ontario, Lambton Public Health (LPH) is expanding eligibility for third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to:

• Individuals 70 years of age and older;
• Health-care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers);
• First Nation, Inuit and Metis adults including their non-Indigenous household members 18 years of age and older; and
• Anyone who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen.

All newly eligible groups are now able to receive a third dose 6 months (168 days) after their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are a variety of vaccination options in the community to choose from including pharmacies, primary care and LPH community clinics.

Before booking your appointment please check the date that you received your second dose. Locally, many Lambton residents 70 years of age and older received their second shot in June, which makes them eligible for a third dose in December.

“The expansion of our vaccine rollout is going to create a very high demand at our local immunization clinics,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton Public Health. “We are still accepting walk-ins at our COVID-19 clinics for those who need a first or second shot, but anyone requiring a third dose will need to book an appointment online or through our call centre.”

Community clinics are available throughout November. Visit getthevaccine.ca for further information or to schedule your third dose appointment online. It’s the quickest and most efficient way to book your appointment at LPH community clinics.  Family and friends are encouraged to help loved ones complete the online registration. LPH’s Vaccine Call Centre is also available to assist from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 226-254-8222.

This decision was made by the Ontario Government based on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) latest recommendations. Evidence continues to show that two dose vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 is maintained against severe illness, hospitalization and deaths at 5-7 months. First and second doses remain the priority of Ontario’s vaccine program.

“It is important to note that a third dose provides an added measure of protection and these newly eligible groups already have good protection with two doses, so while a third dose is recommended, it is not as time sensitive as making sure people get the first two doses,” continued Dr. Ranade. 

Previously eligible groups who have already received third doses include residents of long-term care and retirement homes, First Nations elder care lodges, as well as individuals with specific high risk health conditions.

To date, 1,973 third doses have been administered to residents of Lambton County. Most third doses have been delivered by the LPH mobile vaccination team. This includes 1,073 doses to residents of long-term care and retirement homes, and 28 doses to residents of Elder Care lodges. Many people with eligible health conditions have received third doses at home or at local fixed-site clinics, which have given over 500 third doses.

In addition to the region’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics, Lambton Public Health is holding several flu shot clinics throughout November. COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to those who are eligible and booked into one of these LPH community clinics. If you are eligible at the time of your flu shot appointment (e.g. one of the identified groups and 6 months past your second dose), you do not need to book a separate COVID-19 third dose appointment.

For the latest updates on Lambton County’s COVID-19 Immunization Rollout or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment please visit GetTheVaccine.ca. LPH’s Vaccine Call Centre is also available to assist from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 226-254-8222.

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Please contact:

LPH Media Inquiries