Ontario Expanding COVID-19 Boosters to Children Aged Five and Over Starting September 1

The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 first booster doses to children aged five to 11 to provide an extra layer of protection ahead of the new school year. In addition, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is updating public health guidance to manage COVID-19 during the upcoming flu and respiratory season. These tools will help give Ontarians the tools they need to make the best decisions for themselves on how to safe, healthy and out of hospitals so the province can continue its efforts to support the recovery and rebuilding of the health system. 

As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, parents and caregivers of children aged five to 11 will be able to book an appointment for a paediatric COVID-19 booster dose at a recommended interval of at least six months following their most recent dose.   

Some key highlights of the fall public health guidance include

• If you are in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, continue to self-monitor for symptoms. There is no longer a need to isolate but you should wear a mask for 10 days when in public.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or runny nose, stay home from school, work and social events until your fever is gone and symptoms are improving, get a rapid antigen test or, if eligible, a PCR test. Wear a mask for 10 days after and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk individuals and settings.

News Release:

English: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002264/children-aged-five-and-over-eligible-for-first-booster-shot

French: https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/1002264/les-enfants-ages-de-cinq-ans-et-plus-sont-admissibles-a-la-premiere-dose-de-rappel