Appointments for a fourth dose for eligible Durham Region residents are available starting today (April 8), according to Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
Appointments can be booked at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or by calling 1-888-444-5113. Walk-ins are not available for fourth doses.
The Health Department has expanded the eligibility for fourth doses of Covid-19 vaccine for individuals 60 and older, as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older, as announced by the province. It is recommended that eligible individuals receive a fourth dose at an interval of 140 days (five months) following their third dose. A fourth dose may be administered at a minimum of 84 days (three months) following a third dose.
“Evidence indicates a longer interval between doses provides an improved immune response,” said Dr. Kyle. “If you have had a recent Covid-19 infection, it is recommended to wait three months after symptoms started or after testing positive to receive your fourth dose.”
With Covid-19 activity on the rise and a recent increase in related hospitalizations, a fourth dose can provide an additional layer of protection.
“In addition to getting a fourth dose when eligible, I strongly recommend that residents continue to wear a well-fitted three-layer mask in shared indoor spaces. Case counts and wastewater signals indicate that Covid-19 is spreading in our community. The BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron is now the dominant strain circulating in Ontario and it is more transmissible than the previous Omicron sub-variant (BA.1). The risk of infection and severe disease is more serious for some individuals, especially individuals who are immune compromised, individuals with underlying health conditions and older adults. Masking can help to protect yourself as well as vulnerable individuals who you may come in contact with,” said the Medical Officer of Health.
Outdoor is safer
Dr. Kyle is urging residents to enjoy the warmer weather outdoors, saying it is safer in terms of covid risk, than indoors.
“As we look forward to enjoying milder temperatures and spring like conditions, residents are reminded that outdoor activities and outdoor gatherings are generally safer than indoor gatherings. Finding opportunities to spend time with family and friends outdoors is a great way to ensure your gathering or event is as safe as possible,” he said in his latest address.
Data Tracker
He also said the new covid Data Tracker will be updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, excluding statutory holidays.
This is “to allow staff to turn their attention to other important public health assessment and surveillance activities that were previously suspended due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Kyle.
The Durham Region Covid-19 Data Tracker, which was just one page at the time, was launched on April 2, 2020. Over the past two years, the Data Tracker has grown significantly and has become a tool that many community partners and residents depend on for up to date information about the status of Covid-19 in the region. “The Data Tracker has recently been streamlined to remove information that is no longer accurate, available, or relevant,” said Dr. Kyle.