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The province is now allowing anyone aged 18 or older to book a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (also called a booster), but the online booking system is already backlogged with lengthy wait times for those hoping to snag an appointment.
As of this morning, the booster dose schedule was also shortened to allow the third dose to follow three months after the second (previously it was a six-month wait).
In Simcoe-Muskoka, the health unit has posted urgent notices to its social media and website urging people not to try to walk in to clinics for their third doses without an appointment.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has noted its clinics are seeing "overwhelming demand for booster doses," but health unit staff and volunteers are prioritizing clinic capacity and not accepting walk-ins from anyone between 18 and 49 years old.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for anyone getting any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Simcoe-Muskoka vaccine clinic, however, where supplies and capacity will allow, walk-ins may be accepted from individuals who are:
- getting a first or second dose of a COVID vaccine
- getting a booster and are a healthcare worker, individual aged 50 years or older, Indigenous person or member of their household, or someone who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen vaccine.
Those attending Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit vaccine clinics must be a resident of Simcoe-Muskoka Region. The health unit does keep a vaccine clinic schedule updated on its website here.
The 29 Sperling Drive clinic in Barrie is allowing walk-ins for first or second dose only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. everyday between Dec. 20-23.
To book a vaccine appointment, visit the province's booking website here, or use the pharmacy locator to find a pharmacy near you offering appointments.
To book your appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
