Following this morning’s announcement from the Ministry of Health, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is focusing its efforts on prioritizing COVID-19 vaccine delivery to those considered to be at a higher-risk of a severe outcome if infected. The Province’s updated guidance comes after the recent changes to vaccination recommendations from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

The plan announced today comes into effect immediately, meaning that London and Middlesex County residents who are part of the following groups, will be able to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine if it has been at least six months since their last dose or since they’ve had a confirmed COVID-19 infection:

• Those 65 years of age and older;
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges, and other congregate living settings for seniors;
• Individuals who are 18 years of age and older who live in a congregate care setting for those with complex medical care needs;
• Those who are pregnant;
• People who are 18 years of age and older, who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; and
• Individuals 55 years of age and older, who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, as well as their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years of age and older.

Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are also recommended for anyone five years of age and older, who has not received a dose since September 1, 2022, so long as they have not had a COVID-19 infection in the last six months. Those not included in the listed high-risk groups and who have received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine since September 1, 2022, do not require an additional dose at this time.

Updated recommendations for those five years of age and older who are not included in the high-risk groups are expected to be released closer to the fall of 2023.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments continue to be strongly recommended, and can be booked at www.covidvaccinelm.ca, using Gate 1. Appointments can also be booked over the phone by calling 226-289-3560, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, including locations, dates and times, visit www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine-clinics. Please note that MLHU vaccination clinics will be closed from April 7th to April 10th for the Easter weekend.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519 617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit