COVID-19 booster shots for all residents of Mississauga, Brampton, and rest of Ontario not ruled out

With the age restrictions for booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines having been lowered from 70 to 50, some have been questioning whether they will eventually be encouraged for everyone.

Government and public health officials have maintained that the frequency with which immunizations have been administered in Ontario provide a strong enough immunity that third doses are not warranted.

However, other jurisdictions, including places such as the U.S. and Israel, have begun administering third doses for added protection.

According to Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel, that is not currently the plan, but that doesn’t mean that can’t change.

“One of our top priorities right now is ensuring children ages five to 11 can get their first two doses of a vaccine to ensure their protection against the virus,” Dr. Loh said during a press conference on Wednesday (December 8).

Rather than speculate on if and when third doses may become recommended for all age groups, Dr. Loh said he will continue to adhere to the guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

“I know our Ministry of Health colleagues and our federal partners are looking very closely at the data to determine if and where a booster or a third dose may be necessary for members of the population,” he said. “I will continue to be led by Ministry guidance ultimately to figure out how we can best continue to protect our population.”