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Halton to resume walk-ins for first and second doses for 12+

Following Provincial direction (external link), starting Monday, December 13, residents 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can book an appointment to receive a third dose/booster of COVID-19 vaccine through Halton’s online booking system. Residents are eligible 6 months (or 168 days) after their second dose.

“We have had great success with our vaccination program so far and 87 per cent of our residents are fully vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Thank you to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves or helped someone get to their appointment. We have a team of friendly and highly skilled staff and clinics in all four municipalities ready to provide more third doses. There are also other ways to get the vaccine in our community including many pharmacies, GO-VAXX bus stops and participating primary care providers.”

To help make it easier for residents to determine when they are eligible for their third dose/booster, Halton has launched an online Third Dose Calculator. Users are prompted to select their eligibility group and the date of their second dose and are then provided with their eligibility date.

All third dose/booster appointments must be booked through Halton’s online booking system or by calling 311. Appointments are available at Halton Region Community Clinics located Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville and Milton.

Third doses boosters are also available at many pharmacy locations across Halton and Ontario. The Province’s pharmacy finder tool (external link) allows residents to quickly sort by location and vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna).

“With the emergence of the Omicron variant in our community, I urge all residents to be vigilant and get fully vaccinated to gain strong protection,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “If you are eligible for a third dose, I encourage you to get it as soon as possible to gain an extra layer of protection. Getting vaccinated at a pharmacy is another quick and easy option, and with so many pharmacies participating across the region, there is likely one or more right in your neighbourhood. Thank you to everyone who is rolling up their sleeves or helping someone get their vaccine.”

First and second doses still available and strongly encouraged

Achieving high first and second dose coverage remains a top priority for Halton and Ontario. Starting Monday, December 13, Halton will resume offering walk-ins for first and second doses for residents 12+ at community clinics on days scheduled for 12+ vaccinations. Walk-ins will not be accepted for paediatric vaccine (5-11 year olds) and third dose/boosters.

Residents can also get first, second and third doses through:

• Provincial GO-VAXX bus stops (external link) – New! Now also offering first doses of the paediatric vaccine for 5-11 year olds;
• 100 pharmacies in Halton and locations across Ontario; and (external link)
• participating primary care and paediatric providers.

Important information & instructions

• Starting Monday, December 13, residents 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can book an appointment for a third dose/booster through Halton’s online booking system. Residents are eligible 6 months (or 168 days) following their second dose.
  • This is in addition to certain moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals and those receiving dialysis who are already eligible. These individuals should speak with their primary care provider/specialist to discuss vaccination and complete a referral form before booking their appointment through Halton’s clinics.
• Third dose/boosters are also available at participating pharmacies and some primary care providers. To find a pharmacy close to you, use the Province’s pharmacy finder tool (external link), or you can contact your primary care provider.
• Starting Monday, December 13, walk-ins for first and second doses for residents 12+ will be accepted at Halton’s community clinics. Walk-ins will only be accepted on clinic days scheduled for 12+ vaccinations. Appointments are still encouraged and walk-in availability will be limited.
  • Walk-ins will not be accepted for paediatric vaccine (5-11 year olds) and for third dose/boosters.
• Residents who access the Provincial booking system will be guided back to Halton’s system. Please do not contact clinics directly.
• Residents who require assistance can call 311 to book their appointment. Please only call 311 if you require immediate booking support or do not have internet access. As we expect an increase in volume, please be patient while Halton makes sure those who require support have access to this service.
• Residents requiring additional assistance, language supports or other accommodations at a community clinic can contact 311 prior to their appointment to arrange for supports.
  • Transportation services to and from appointments are available, free of charge, for those who require it.
  • Parking is free at all clinic locations.
• To prepare for your appointment, please remember to:
  • bring your health card. If you do not have a health card, bring photo ID with your name and date of birth;
  • arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment;
  • wear a mask;
  • complete a wellness check before entering a clinic, using the Provincial COVID-19 Screening Tool (external link);
  • attend appointments alone if possible. You may bring one support person if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter); and
  • visit Halton’s Preparing for your vaccination webpage for additional information.

To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including eligibility for third doses, how to book an appointment, to get answers to frequently asked questions or find accurate information on vaccine safety, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 595,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.