Canadians at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are recommended to get an additional booster dose this spring.

Ontario’s chief medical officer of health advised high-risk individuals to book their appointment for a booster shot if it has been at least six months since their last dose or they tested positive for COVID-19.

“Staying up to date with vaccinations continues to be our best defence against COVID-19,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“I’m strongly encouraging everyone, especially those with an increased risk of severe infection, to get all boosters available.”

Those at high-risk include individuals 65 years of age and older; seniors residing in long-term care facilities or retirement homes, individuals 18 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, pregnant individuals; Indigenous individuals and their non-Indigenous household members over the age of 55.

Recommendations were based on advice from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

For individuals who have already received a booster last September, and are not at high risk, further recommendations will be provided closer to fall 2023, said the statement by Health Canada.

Those five years and older who have not received a booster dose since Sept. 1 are also recommended to get a booster if it has been at least six months since their last booster or COVID-19 infection.

“Evidence shows that vaccine protection decreases over time and decreases more quickly for higher risk groups,” according to Health Canada.

“However, protection against severe outcomes persists longer than protection against symptomatic disease,” according to a recent study by NACI.

Appointments can be booked via the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre as well as directly through public health units with their own booking systems, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating health-care providers and participating pharmacies.

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