Starting Tuesday September 20, residents 18 years of age and older can book an appointment for September 27 onward for the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose. The bivalent booster targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron (BA.1) variant—the first COVID-19 vaccine to target a specific strain of the virus. It is recommended that residents receive the booster 6 months (minimum 3 months) after a previous dose or COVID-19 infection.
“I encourage all residents to get boosted this fall to gain an extra layer of protection against COVID-19,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “In addition to staying up to date on all vaccines available, please stay home when you are sick with any illness that can be passed on to others. Residents are also encouraged to wear masks indoors and in crowded settings. Thank you for continuing to take steps to protect each other, especially those most at risk of complications from respiratory viruses.”
Halton Region is also reminding families that all children 5 to 11 years of age are recommended to receive a booster dose (monovalent booster) and children under 5 years of age who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the summer will soon be due for their second dose, 8 weeks (56 days) after their first dose.
All bivalent COVID-19 booster doses at Halton Region Community Clinics will be offered by appointment only (no walk-ins). Appointments continue to be added and residents are asked to check back regularly. Residents can also receive first, second and booster doses (bivalent and monovalent) of the COVID-19 vaccine at Provincial GO-VAXX bus stops (external link) (appointment only), participating pharmacies (external link) and primary care providers. Residents are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy before visiting, to confirm bivalent booster availability.
Important information & instructions
- Starting Tuesday, September 20, residents 18 years of age and older can book an appointment for the bivalent booster dose.
- Appointments for this group are available starting Tuesday, September 27 at Halton Region Community Clinics – no walk-ins at this time. People who are currently eligible to receive a bivalent booster are also encouraged to book their appointment.
- To support increased demand for COVID-19 vaccines, Halton Region Community Clinics located at 550 Ontario Street South in Milton and South Oakville Centre in Oakville will be operated by Cleveland Clinic Canada (external link) on behalf of Halton Region. Appointments are booked directly through Cleveland Clinic Canada’s online booking system.
- Halton Region Community Clinics located at 3450 Harvester Road in Burlington, 280 Guelph Street in Georgetown and 240 Wyecroft Road in Oakville continue to be operated by Halton Region. Appointments are booked directly through Halton’s online booking system.
- Clinic information and how to book appointments is updated regularly on Halton’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webpage.
- Individuals must have completed a primary series (usually two doses) of COVID-19 vaccine before receiving the bivalent booster.
- The bivalent booster is recommended 6 months (or 168 days) after a previous dose (including boosters) or COVID-19 infection, at a minimum of 3 months (or 84 days).
- COVID-19 vaccines as part of a primary series (e.g., first and second doses) for youth and adults (12+) continue to be available by walk-in or appointment at our Community Clinics; Paediatric COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months to 11 years are offered by appointment only (no walk-ins) at Halton’s Paediatric clinics.
- 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:
To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including the bivalent COVID-19 booster and how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 624,000 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.