The Province of Ontario has launched a campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. In alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, the Ministry of Health is recommending that the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 receive a dose of an XBB COVID-19 vaccine in Spring 2024:
- Adults aged 65 and above.
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and similar living settings for seniors.
- Individuals aged 6 months and older who have moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions.
- Individuals aged 55 and above who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis, along with their non-Indigenous household members who are also 55 and above.
For these groups, it’s especially important to get the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring if they haven’t already received one in Fall 2023. This vaccine targets the XBB strain of the Omicron variant, offering added protection against severe COVID-19 and possibly against current variants.
Individuals may be eligible to receive an XBB COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 6 months from their previous COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). All other individuals are not currently recommended to get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose this spring and should wait until further guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.
Getting your COVID-19 Vaccine:
- Many pharmacies will continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine for the Spring campaign. Be sure to check first before you go.
- Visit the Provincial Vaccine Booking Centre to book an appointment at an Ottawa Public Health vaccine clinic.
- OPH offers free drop-in services to all residents of Ottawa at our accessible Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.
For parents and caregivers
OPH is strongly encouraging all parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on routine vaccinations, especially their measles vaccination.
Families of children and youth facing barriers to immunization can book an appointment through Kids Come First.
OPH is also offering routine childhood immunizations through its Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs on a drop-in basis for people who may be facing additional barriers to immunization and reporting.
More info is available at: ParentingInOttawa.ca/Immunization.
