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Immunization

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on an individual's current age, health status, and COVID-19 vaccine history.  Please see below for current recommendations.

Individuals who are not high-risk are not recommended to receive dose(s) in the spring regardless of if dose(s) were received in the fall. These individuals are recommended to be vaccinated during the next annual COVID-19 vaccine program (i.e., 2025/2026) to ensure optimal protection against circulating strains.

Only the following high-risk populations who are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

  • Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • NACI recommends that those 80 years and older should receive an additional dose of vaccine while those 65 to 79 years of age may receive an additional dose of vaccine.
  • Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors.
  • Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
  • Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older.
     

The following intervals should be observed after an infection with COVID-19: 

  • For those who have not started or completed a primary series, a dose should be given 8 weeks following the previous dose or test-confirmed infection for those who are not immunocompromised or 4 to 8 weeks for those who are immunocompromised. A dose can be given as soon as possible for those who have not received any doses and did not test positive for infection. 
  • For those who are previously vaccinated and have completed their primary series, the next dose is recommended at an interval of 6 months following the previous dose or test-confirmed infection (minimum of 3 months). 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends mRNA vaccines as the preferred vaccine type for all age groups.
The type of mRNA vaccine you will receive depends on current inventory and your age.  

  • Moderna Omicron KP.2 variant: 6 months of age and older
  • Pfizer BioNTech Omicron KP.2 variant: 12 years of age and older

The updated protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax, will not be available in Ontario for the 2024/2025 season.  Individuals who are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine, should speak with their health care provider about treatment options to reduce the duration and severity of illness.

Page last updated April 8, 2025

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