September 21, 2021

Eligibility expanded for third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

On September 14, based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with NACI’s recommendation, the province will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional vulnerable populations:

• Those undergoing active treatment for solid tumors;
• Those who are in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell;
• Those with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome);
• Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; and
• Those undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.

In addition to those already eligible:

• 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) for malignant hematologic disorders
• Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab)

A third dose will help to provide individuals in these groups with an improved immune response. Individuals in these groups are eligible to receive their third dose at a minimum of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program. Individuals unable to receive the vaccine from their providers can ask for a form from them indicating the patient’s eligibility. The form can be taken to participating physicians who will administer the vaccine. Participating local pharmacies are now able to administer 3rd doses. To book an appointment please contact the pharmacy directly.

Immunocompromised clients who are unable to access a third-dose vaccine from their healthcare provider may attend a local pharmacy that offers COVID-19 vaccine or any of the vaccine clinics hosted by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. No appointment is necessary. For a list of locations and times of clinics visit the Grey Bruce Health Unit Vaccine Clinic Schedule. Clients must be eligible in the categories described above and must provide the written provincial documentation signed by their physician, including the physician’s CPSO number. No other document or attestation will be accepted.

 

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