Starting Monday, June 28, all residents who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be able to reschedule their second dose to an earlier date, at a minimum 28-day interval, through Halton’s online booking system. Individuals who received the AstraZeneca vaccine as their first dose, will continue to receive an interval of eight weeks or more, as per Provincial direction (external link). In addition, all residents who are booking a first appointment will receive their second dose appointment at a minimum 28-day interval.

“We are pleased to offer earlier second dose appointments to all residents, based our expected vaccine supply,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We continue to make great progress and have already vaccinated 77 per cent of our 12+ community with the first dose, and 26 per cent have received both doses. We will continue to open appointments and get everyone fully vaccinated as quickly as vaccine supply is received.”

The quickest and easiest way to reschedule is online, by clicking the “Reschedule your appointment” button. Halton is asking residents to be patient and avoid calling 311, to ensure that those who require immediate booking support have access to the service.

Halton Region Public Health is providing Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at community clinics. The availability of appointments and vaccine type remain dependent on supply. Getting two doses as soon as possible is critical for gaining protection from COVID-19 and its variants. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe, effective and authorized by Health Canada. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use similar mRNA technology, and are interchangeable.

“The best vaccine is the first vaccine available to you and getting your vaccine at the earliest eligibility is critical for gaining strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “All Health Canada approved vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. We are getting closer to returning to normal, so please continue to follow all public health measures and roll up your sleeves Halton!”

Watch an update from Dr. Meghani on the importance of getting a second dose and mixing Moderna and Pfizer vaccines:

Getting your second dose (YouTube video link)

All residents 12 years of age and older who have not yet booked their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. First and second dose appointments can be booked at:

• one of Halton’s eight Community Vaccination Clinics, located in all Halton municipalities;
• approximately 100 pharmacy locations in Halton (external link); or
• select Primary Care Offices offering COVID-19 vaccines to community members.

Important information & instructions

• Starting Monday, June 28, all residents who have received their first dose will be able to book an earlier second dose appointment at a minimum 28-day interval through Halton’s online booking system.
  • All residents who are booking a first appointment will receive their second dose appointment at a minimum 28-day interval.
  • Residents who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine will continue to receive their second dose at an interval of eight weeks or more, as per Provincial direction (external link).
• Appointments are added to Halton’s online booking system as vaccine supply is confirmed.
• The quickest and easiest way to schedule or reschedule an appointment is online. Residents who did not provide an email for their original booked appointment, can call 311 for booking support. Residents who do not require immediate booking support are asked to not call 311 so Halton can ensure residents who require support have access.
• Eligible residents can book appointments at any one of Halton’s eight COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics located in Burlington (including Joseph Brant Hospital), Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville (including Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital). Parking is free at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Joseph Brant Hospital for those with scheduled appointments at these clinics:
  • Vaccinations at Halton’s clinics are by appointment only (no walk-ins). Please do not contact clinics directly.
• There are currently multiple pharmacies in Halton offering the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Appointments are booked directly with the pharmacy. To find a participating pharmacy, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations(external link).
  • Residents should cancel their appointments as soon as possible if they find earlier appointments through a pharmacy. By cancelling your appointment, this ensures that someone else who is eligible can get the vaccine.
• Eligible residents have the option to book same-day (“last minute”) vaccine appointments through our online booking system. These appointments will become available when there are last minute cancellations at a vaccination clinic. This option is only available to those who are currently eligible and residents must arrive at the selected clinic within 45 minutes of booking.
• Halton Region continues to provide supports to individuals who require accessibility accommodations, language supports or transportation services. Residents who require a disability related accommodation at the clinic are asked to please let Halton Region know as soon as possible after booking by calling 311 or emailing accesshalton@halton.ca.
• Residents are asked to attend their appointments alone if possible in order to limit the amount of individuals in our clinics and maintain adequate physical distancing. You may bring one support person, if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter).
• To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier) and remember to wear a non-medical mask. Please note: you will be required to bring proof of age and residency in Halton to your appointment.

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.