Hello Algoma RNAO members,
We want to share some important COVID-19 vaccine and booster updates for this week.
1. Healthcare workers and priority eligible groups in Ontario remain eligible for a booster dose.
- Several priority groups remain eligible for a booster dose if at least six months or 168 days have passed since their second full dose. These priority groups include:
- vulnerable older adults in congregate settings;
- older adults in the community aged 70 and over;
- healthcare workers;
- Indigenous adults and non-Indigenous household members; and
- recipients of a viral vector vaccine series (primary series completed with only viral vector vaccines).
- Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to their ongoing interactions with and potential exposures from patients who may be infected with COVID-19. They can also cause increased risk of transmission to vulnerable populations if infected. As of Nov. 17, 2021, only 7.2 per cent of eligible healthcare workers in Algoma had received a booster dose, as compared to 23.1 per cent across Ontario.
We encourage our local healthcare workers to get their booster dose as soon as possible for extra protection against COVID-19 and its variants. This is especially important given the ongoing surge of cases in Algoma and the arrival of the Omicron variant to Ontario.
2. Ontario has expanded booster dose eligibility to those aged 50 and over.
- The province has announced that starting Monday, Dec. 13, individuals aged 50 and over will be eligible to schedule their booster dose appointment if at least six months or 168 days have passed since their second full dose.
Booster doses for all eligible populations continue to be administered at Algoma COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating pharmacies and primary care settings.
There are appointments available for Jan. 2022, as listed on the Algoma COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics page.
Wishing you all continued safety and health,
Algoma Chapter Executive Team