May 31, 2021
Ontario will begin to offer second dose appointments at an interval as early as four weeks.
Ontario updates timeline for second Covid-19 vaccination doses
With two-thirds of the adult population having received at least one dose, Ontarians have been provided with a strong level of protection against COVID-19. Now, the province is accelerating second doses for all Ontarians. While the interval between first and second doses can be up to 16 weeks, Ontario will begin to offer second dose appointments at an earlier interval of four weeks or later based on availability of vaccines.
The following is an anticipated schedule for eligibility to book a second dose appointment based on confirmed supply.
Second dose appointments can be rebooked through the provincial booking system, and through pharmacies. For those in public health units who use their own booking system, or who received their doses from their primary care provider or through a pop-up clinic, more information will follow on how and when second dose booking and rebooking will be available.
Second doses can also be booked (without a first appointment) in the provincial booking system.
Individuals who received their first dose between March 10 to March 19, 2021 may opt for an earlier dose interval of 10 weeks. Acceleration of AstraZeneca second doses will proceed on a 12-week interval, with booking eligibility based on date of first dose.
The following is an anticipated schedule for eligibility to book a second dose appointment based on confirmed supply.
- Week of May 31: individuals aged 80+
- Week of June 14: individuals aged 70+
- Week of June 28: individuals who received their first dose between the week of March 8 to April 18, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals with the highest-risk health conditions and special education workers.
- Week of July 19: individuals who received their first dose between the week of April 19 to May 9, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals aged 50 and over, as well as individuals with high-risk health conditions.
- Week of August 2: individuals who received their first dose between the week of May 10 to May 30, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals who cannot work from home and individuals who have at-risk health conditions.
- Week of August 9 to 16: individuals aged 12 to 25
- Week of August 9: individuals who received their first dose from the week of May 31 onwards on a “first-in, first out” basis, respecting the recommended intervals.
How can Ontarians book their second dose appointment?
Several different vaccination clinic options are available across Ontario’s public health regions, including mass immunization clinics, pop-up / mobile clinics, hospital clinics and pharmacy clinics. Not all clinic types are available in every region and depend on local planning done by each public health unit.Second dose appointments can be rebooked through the provincial booking system, and through pharmacies. For those in public health units who use their own booking system, or who received their doses from their primary care provider or through a pop-up clinic, more information will follow on how and when second dose booking and rebooking will be available.
Second doses can also be booked (without a first appointment) in the provincial booking system.
Who is already eligible for an accelerated second dose?
Ontario has already begun offering second doses of COVID-19 vaccines at a shortened interval to certain groups, including high-risk health care workers, individuals with certain health conditions and First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals.Individuals who received their first dose between March 10 to March 19, 2021 may opt for an earlier dose interval of 10 weeks. Acceleration of AstraZeneca second doses will proceed on a 12-week interval, with booking eligibility based on date of first dose.
Where to get vaccinated and how to book an appointment:
Mass immunization clinic:- For public health units using the provincial booking system: visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine to book online or call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line number at 1-833-943-3900.
- For public health units using their own booking system: visit your public health unit website for booking details.
- Individuals may already have an appointment booked at the pop-up location where they received their first dose. Those who attended these clinics will also have the option of booking second doses at mass clinics, or at a pharmacy, or at another mobile clinic.
- Visit your public health unit website for booking details, if available in your region.
- Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where they received their first dose. Primary care settings and pharmacies may also be reaching out to eligible Ontarians to accelerate appointments for second doses.