(Toronto) Several groups of people at risk are now eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario.
This new phase of the vaccination campaign comes as regional authorities on Saturday reported 508 new cases of COVID-19 and three additional deaths linked to the disease.
The Ministry of Health said 130 patients were receiving treatment in intensive care. Of these, half were not adequately vaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.
More than 11 million Ontarians, or about 85% of the eligible population, have received two doses of the vaccine.
As of Saturday morning, 2.75 million people have joined a quarter of a million who are already eligible for a booster dose.
Starting Saturday, people age 70 or older, health care workers and primary caregivers designated in gathering places can get a booster dose.
People who have received a full series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen vaccine), as well as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-indigenous family members. repeatedly.
“Boost doses are given to these groups due to a gradual deterioration in immunity six months after the second dose is given and an increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19,” he explains.
According to the county medical officer of health, studies show that immunity begins to decline after a period of six months.
considered ds Kieran Moore says these groups are more exposed to the coronavirus and could become more dangerous.
Ontario plans to offer a booster dose to everyone starting in early 2022.
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