How to Get Your Second Dose: Appointments and Walk-in Clinic Options
All residents 12 years of age or older can get their second dose at least 28 days after their first dose.
There are two ways to get your second dose:
All residents 12 years of age or older can get their second dose at least 28 days after their first dose.
There are two ways to get your second dose:
- Make the appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system by, calling 1-833-943-3900 or going online to https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or booking an appointment through a local pharmacy. Find participating local pharmacies here https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
- Attend a walk-in clinic. No appointment needed!
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Vaccine Clinics
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About the Vaccine
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Ontario Expanding Booster Eligibility to More Ontarians
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, November 3, 2021
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals starting November 6, 2021, providing them with an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. Over the coming months, Ontario is also prepared to gradually roll out booster doses to all Ontarians aged 12 and over.
Based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) recent recommendation, the province will begin offering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the following vulnerable populations if at least six months have passed since their last dose:
Eligible individuals are able to book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings. Hospital-based health care workers are encouraged to reach out to their hospital employer to get vaccinated directly through their hospital’s vaccination program.
Locations and timing for booster doses may vary by public health unit based on local planning and considerations.
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, November 3, 2021
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals starting November 6, 2021, providing them with an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. Over the coming months, Ontario is also prepared to gradually roll out booster doses to all Ontarians aged 12 and over.
Based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) recent recommendation, the province will begin offering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the following vulnerable populations if at least six months have passed since their last dose:
- Individuals aged 70 and over (born in 1951 or earlier);
- Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers);
- Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members.
Eligible individuals are able to book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings. Hospital-based health care workers are encouraged to reach out to their hospital employer to get vaccinated directly through their hospital’s vaccination program.
Locations and timing for booster doses may vary by public health unit based on local planning and considerations.
Peterborough Public Health Update: October 19th - Enhanced vaccine certificate and new letter of instruction
The province released the new enhanced vaccine certificate last week. This enhanced vaccine certificate has a QR code on it so that it can be easily read by businesses and organizations who use the free Verify Ontario App (see attached sample of the new enhanced vaccine certificate) to check proof of vaccination. (Patrons can download the advanced QR code vaccine certificate to their phone, businesses and organizations would download the Verify Ontario App to scan the enhanced QR codes).
With this announcement, also came some BIG changes to the proof of vaccination requirements that I wanted to flag for you:
What is the full list of settings (i.e., businesses or organizations) where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19?
The province released the new enhanced vaccine certificate last week. This enhanced vaccine certificate has a QR code on it so that it can be easily read by businesses and organizations who use the free Verify Ontario App (see attached sample of the new enhanced vaccine certificate) to check proof of vaccination. (Patrons can download the advanced QR code vaccine certificate to their phone, businesses and organizations would download the Verify Ontario App to scan the enhanced QR codes).
With this announcement, also came some BIG changes to the proof of vaccination requirements that I wanted to flag for you:
- There have been updates to the implementation documents – many of the businesses you support may find the answers they are looking for:
- The Regulation AND the Guidance document now clearly state the following. This means that proof of vaccination should not be kept for any reason.
- No person shall retain, record, copy, modify, use or disclose any information provided for the purpose of section 2.1 of Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 364/20 under the ROA.
- A business or organization may use information provided as above solely for the purpose of confirming that a patron is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or is entitled to an exemption
- Anyone who is verifying proof will need to be aware that there is a new exemption:
- Patrons who provide documentation that confirms they are currently participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial authorized by Health Canada and specified in this guidance, including Appendix C.
- The ONLY app that is allowed to be used to check QR codes is the Verify Ontario App – this is stated clearly in the Guidance document (pg. 9) AND the regulation.
- The app allows you to use 2 methods for checking proof, but paper copies must still be accepted. If there is a failed screen with the QR code, you must see proof via another method (e.g., paper copy) in order for the person to be granted access.
- Click here for any person wishing to download their QR code
- Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
- If patrons or businesses ask for more information, please refer them to: Using your Enhanced Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions or they can call the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900.
What is the full list of settings (i.e., businesses or organizations) where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19?
- Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
- Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs, restoclubs, and other similar establishments
- Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions
- Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions o Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
- Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
- Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
- Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
- Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
- Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studio audiences
- Any of the following outdoor areas that have a usual capacity of 20,000 or more people (i.e., where 75 percent capacity would be equal to or greater than 15,000 persons):
- Outdoor meeting and event spaces, with limited exemptions
- Outdoor facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions (Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events)
- Outdoor concert venues, theatres, and cinemas o Outdoor horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download Starting October 15
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, October 15, 2021
TORONTO — In advance of October 22, the Ontario government is making the enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code and the free, made-in Ontario verification app, Verify Ontario, available for download.
To ensure a smooth user experience, the province is initially making the enhanced vaccine certificates available for download in cohorts. Enhanced vaccine certificates with official QR codes will be made available for download from the COVID-19 vaccination portal over three days based on birth month:
Starting October 18 at 6:00 a.m., the portal will open for any individual to download their enhanced vaccine certificate, regardless of their birth month. Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
People can save the electronic version of their vaccine certificate with a QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions. In addition, while the current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted, the province is encouraging individuals to download their enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have their proof of vaccination verified. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination when visiting select businesses and organizations.
Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is built to the SMART Health Card standard adopted by the federal government in collaboration with provinces and territories. To support Ontarians who are travelling internationally, Ontario is also including the Government of Canada logo on the enhanced vaccine certificate.
In addition, businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been made available in advance of October 22 to ensure businesses and organizations download the app and have sufficient time to become familiar with it. The made-in-Ontario app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while protecting their privacy. The Verify Ontario app for businesses can be used without an internet connection, but like any app it will need to connect to the internet periodically to keep it up to date. The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination
Verify Ontario will only scan and read official, government issued QR codes, such as Ontario’s vaccine certificate and those SMART Health Codes from other provinces including Quebec, British Columbia and Yukon Territory.
Quick Facts
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, October 15, 2021
TORONTO — In advance of October 22, the Ontario government is making the enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code and the free, made-in Ontario verification app, Verify Ontario, available for download.
To ensure a smooth user experience, the province is initially making the enhanced vaccine certificates available for download in cohorts. Enhanced vaccine certificates with official QR codes will be made available for download from the COVID-19 vaccination portal over three days based on birth month:
- October 15, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between January and April
- October 16, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between May and August
- October 17, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: All individuals born between September to December
Starting October 18 at 6:00 a.m., the portal will open for any individual to download their enhanced vaccine certificate, regardless of their birth month. Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
People can save the electronic version of their vaccine certificate with a QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions. In addition, while the current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted, the province is encouraging individuals to download their enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have their proof of vaccination verified. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination when visiting select businesses and organizations.
Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is built to the SMART Health Card standard adopted by the federal government in collaboration with provinces and territories. To support Ontarians who are travelling internationally, Ontario is also including the Government of Canada logo on the enhanced vaccine certificate.
In addition, businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been made available in advance of October 22 to ensure businesses and organizations download the app and have sufficient time to become familiar with it. The made-in-Ontario app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while protecting their privacy. The Verify Ontario app for businesses can be used without an internet connection, but like any app it will need to connect to the internet periodically to keep it up to date. The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination
Verify Ontario will only scan and read official, government issued QR codes, such as Ontario’s vaccine certificate and those SMART Health Codes from other provinces including Quebec, British Columbia and Yukon Territory.
Quick Facts
- Ontario has updated regulations and guidance for businesses to support the implementation of the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code and the Verify Ontario app.
- The updated regulations exempt people who are currently participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial that is authorized by Health Canada and specified in Ministry of Health guidance. This will support continued participation in vaccine clinical trials and ensure they can be completed successfully.
- Verify Ontario’s code has been released as open source software to allow for greater transparency and to share the code for free with other jurisdictions who may want to adopt it. The code is available on GitHub.
- Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificates will include a QR code are based on the SMART Health Card standard. This standard is also used for QR codes in other provinces, such as Quebec and British Columbia.
- Effective October 13, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., proof of vaccination or an eligible exemption, is required to attend a social gathering associated with a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony in a meeting or event space.
- Since the proof of vaccination policy was announced on September 1, 2021, more than four million individuals have downloaded their vaccination receipt using the COVID-19 vaccination portal.
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, September 14, 2021
Today the government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021.
In advance of September 22, all Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal. The Ministry is working on additional supports and services to assist Ontario residents who need help obtaining proof of vaccination, including requesting a copy be sent by mail. Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt including those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Ontario is developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code to make it safer, more secure and convenient to show that you have been vaccinated, when required to do so. The enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app will be available by October 22, 2021. Ontario’s proof of vaccination guidance will be updated to reflect the new processes.
To further protect those who face the highest risk from COVID-19 and the Delta variant, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health is following the evidence and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups, such as individuals with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency, individuals receiving active treatment for significantly immunosuppressive conditions and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Locations and timing for third doses will vary by public health unit and high-risk population based on local planning and considerations.
Read the Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act
Read the Regulations
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, September 14, 2021
Today the government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021.
In advance of September 22, all Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal. The Ministry is working on additional supports and services to assist Ontario residents who need help obtaining proof of vaccination, including requesting a copy be sent by mail. Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt including those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Ontario is developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code to make it safer, more secure and convenient to show that you have been vaccinated, when required to do so. The enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app will be available by October 22, 2021. Ontario’s proof of vaccination guidance will be updated to reflect the new processes.
To further protect those who face the highest risk from COVID-19 and the Delta variant, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health is following the evidence and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups, such as individuals with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency, individuals receiving active treatment for significantly immunosuppressive conditions and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Locations and timing for third doses will vary by public health unit and high-risk population based on local planning and considerations.
Read the Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act
Read the Regulations
Workplace Vaccine Policies Strongly Recommended by Peterborough Public Health
Online Toolkit Launched by PPH to Help Local Workplaces Develop Their Own Policies and Request On-site Vaccination Clinics
Excerpts from Peterborough Public Health News Release, September 9, 2021
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is formally recommending that all workplaces in the City and County of Peterborough develop (or enhance) their workplace policies to require all employees to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless otherwise medically exempt.
To support this effort, PPH launched a workplace toolkit today available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. This online toolkit provides guidance on developing a workplace vaccination policy. It notes that workplace policies should explain its purpose, specific actions workers must take including providing proof of vaccination status or a medical exemption, and timelines. To access the toolkit directly, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-workplace-vaccination/.
Dr. Salvaterra noted that provincial labour laws require employers to use every reasonable precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of their employees. This includes workplace hazards posed by infectious diseases. Peterborough Public Health strongly recommend that workplace vaccination policies require at a minimum:
The online resources launched today will also allow businesses in the area served by Peterborough Public Health to apply to host an on-site vaccination clinic. Peterborough Public Health will follow-up with applicants to discuss eligibility for an onsite clinic.
Locally, workplace outbreaks continue to occur, where staff who have not been vaccinated acquire COVID-19 and spread it to others who are unvaccinated. Workplaces with a high number of unvaccinated staff risk having to shut down in the event of an outbreak. Fully vaccinated staff however will only have to self-monitor, not self-isolate in the event of an exposure; self-isolation of staff could result in staffing shortages.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information for Employers
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has also issued recommendations for creating a Workplace Vaccination Policy.
Online Toolkit Launched by PPH to Help Local Workplaces Develop Their Own Policies and Request On-site Vaccination Clinics
Excerpts from Peterborough Public Health News Release, September 9, 2021
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is formally recommending that all workplaces in the City and County of Peterborough develop (or enhance) their workplace policies to require all employees to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless otherwise medically exempt.
To support this effort, PPH launched a workplace toolkit today available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. This online toolkit provides guidance on developing a workplace vaccination policy. It notes that workplace policies should explain its purpose, specific actions workers must take including providing proof of vaccination status or a medical exemption, and timelines. To access the toolkit directly, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-workplace-vaccination/.
Dr. Salvaterra noted that provincial labour laws require employers to use every reasonable precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of their employees. This includes workplace hazards posed by infectious diseases. Peterborough Public Health strongly recommend that workplace vaccination policies require at a minimum:
- Workers to provide proof of their vaccination series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization. (All residents who have been vaccinated in Ontario, or who have provided proof of their vaccination to their local public health unit, are able to access proof of their vaccination through the provincial vaccination system.)
- Unvaccinated employees to provide written proof of a medical reason from a physician or nurse practitioner that includes whether the reason is permanent or time-limited
- Unvaccinated workers to complete a vaccination education course on the risks of being unvaccinated in the workplace
- Employers should also identify how workers’ vaccination status information will be collected and protected in accordance with privacy legislation and explain the level of risk posed by COVID-19 in each unique workplace setting.
- Additional workplace precautions recommended to help reduce virus spread include:
- COVID-19 testing (Available at no cost to businesses through the Peterborough Chamber)
- Strict adherence to physical distancing and other public health measures
- Wearing personal protective equipment as needed/required
- Ensuring that appropriate ventilation is in place
The online resources launched today will also allow businesses in the area served by Peterborough Public Health to apply to host an on-site vaccination clinic. Peterborough Public Health will follow-up with applicants to discuss eligibility for an onsite clinic.
Locally, workplace outbreaks continue to occur, where staff who have not been vaccinated acquire COVID-19 and spread it to others who are unvaccinated. Workplaces with a high number of unvaccinated staff risk having to shut down in the event of an outbreak. Fully vaccinated staff however will only have to self-monitor, not self-isolate in the event of an exposure; self-isolation of staff could result in staffing shortages.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information for Employers
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has also issued recommendations for creating a Workplace Vaccination Policy.
Vaccine Resource Hub by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
While the choice to get vaccinated is ultimately up to individuals, this resource hub’s goal is to equip businesses to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity.
As employers and providers of goods and services to the general public, businesses have a critical role to play in getting Canadians vaccinated, which will ultimately create the conditions for the relaxation of public health restrictions currently in place.
Given the overwhelming volume of information available on vaccines, this resource hub provides companies of all sizes with a single focal point for the information they need to know as employers and the resources they can use to reassure and encourage their employees to get vaccinated.
Access the Vaccine Resource Hub
While the choice to get vaccinated is ultimately up to individuals, this resource hub’s goal is to equip businesses to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity.
As employers and providers of goods and services to the general public, businesses have a critical role to play in getting Canadians vaccinated, which will ultimately create the conditions for the relaxation of public health restrictions currently in place.
Given the overwhelming volume of information available on vaccines, this resource hub provides companies of all sizes with a single focal point for the information they need to know as employers and the resources they can use to reassure and encourage their employees to get vaccinated.
- Vaccine 101
- Vaccine Distribution
- Business Tips
- Talking to Your Employees
Access the Vaccine Resource Hub
