4th COVID-19 vaccine doses now available to all adults in Hamilton
CBC
Hamilton residents over the age of 18 can now get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot.
Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) said anyone who got a third dose at least five months ago is eligible for another one.
People who have had a COVID-19 infection must wait at least three months.
"COVID-19 is still present in the community and increasing trends in cases and wastewater signal data indicate that transmission is increasing across Ontario and here in Hamilton," said public health.
The city announced the expansion of eligibility for fourth doses following a similar announcement by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health on Wednesday.
HPHS says it anticipates demand could be higher than available capacity for those booking an appointment for a fourth dose.
"Due to a high volume of newly-eligible individuals — in upwards of 160,000 — community members should check back daily for available appointments," a news release from HPHS said.
Appointments can be booked 14 days in advance, with new appointment dates being added daily.
HPHS says it will increase the local capacity for vaccinating people and listed some ways people can get vaccinated:
HPHS strongly recommends that adults with compromised immune systems, and other previously eligible and high-risk individuals, receive their fourth dose of vaccine if they have not already. This includes:
Community members 18 to 59 years old with an underlying health conditions like heart disease or cancer are also recommended to receive a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, HPHS says.
Information about local COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations, hours of operations, and how to book appointments is available online.
HPHS also encourage residents to check with local pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations.
Anyone who wants a first, second or third dose can access a COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis.
