Those most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus are now eligible for a third dose of the vaccine.
The new directive, announced by the province on Tuesday, is being done in order to give those at highest-risk an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant.
Those in the highest-risk category are:
- Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
- Patients with hematological cancers (examples include lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) on active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy)
- Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab)
- Residents of high-risk congregate settings including long-term care homes, higher-risk licensed retirement homes and First Nations elder care lodges
According to the regional health department, a third dose can be given at a minimum of eight weeks after the second dose. For residents of high-risk congregate settings, the time in between the second and third dose is a minimum of five months.
“Individuals with a qualifying medical condition are advised to contact their health care provider prior to receiving their third dose for consultation on appropriate timing. Eligible cancer patients (only those with hematological cancers on active treatment) receiving treatment locally, will be contacted by the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre within the next two weeks for consultation and third dose vaccination planning to support treatment,” a news release explained.
“Third doses will be administered at Regional vaccination clinics, family doctors’ offices (for their patients) or local participating pharmacies.”
The local vaccination task force is looking at setting up on-site clinics for third doses at high-risk congregate settings.
More information can be found on the region’s website.
