NEWS RELEASE
REHION OF WATERLOO
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The most vulnerable residents in Waterloo Region are now eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 to provide an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. Those at highest-risk and eligible for a third dose, as outlined by the province, include:
- 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
For qualifying medical conditions, a third dose may be administered at a minimum of eight weeks after the second dose. For residents of high-risk congregate settings, a third dose may be administered at a minimum of five months after the second dose.
“The vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “For individuals at highest-risk, a third dose will offer an improved immune response and will help provide an extra layer of protection for the most vulnerable in our community.”
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. Third doses will be administered at Regional vaccination clinics, family doctors’ offices (for their patients) or local participating pharmacies.
The Waterloo Region Vaccination Task Force is working directly with high-risk congregate care settings to provide on-site clinics for third doses to residents in these settings.
Effective immediately, Ontario has also expanded eligibility for first doses to all individuals born in 2009. Eligible individuals can now visit a Regional vaccination clinic by appointment or walk-in. Vaccines are also available at many family doctors’ offices (for their patients) and local pharmacies. Call ahead to find out if appointments are required.
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