Monthly Archives: July 2022

COVID-19 vaccine now available for children under five

July 25, 2022.

The Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health has announced that parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will be able to book appointments for the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine as of As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022. 

Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).

Appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their own booking system, participating primary care providers and paediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.

Click here »» to read the full announcement.

The announcement also notes that the government has extended the COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit to March 31, 2023. Eligible workers can receive up to $200 a day for up to three days if they need to get tested, vaccinated, receive booster shots, self-isolate, or care for a family member who is ill from COVID-19.   

The government will continue to reimburse eligible employers for the paid leave days under the program.Please contact me with any questions you may have or for assistance working through your staffing matters.

All Ontarians 18+ now eligible for fourth doses of vaccine, rapid tests available for workplaces up to December 31

July 13, 2022

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health today announced that fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all Ontarians over the age of 18 starting on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose.

In addition, the availability of free rapid antigen tests for workplaces has been extended to December 31, 2022.

The tests will also be available free to the general public through channels like grocery stores and pharmacies and to schools, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and other congregate settings. 

The Deputy Premier notes that most individuals aged 18 to 59 years old will continue to have strong protection more than six months after their first booster dose, but “expanding second booster dose eligibility will ensure that Ontarians can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances.”

Starting on Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 a.m., eligible individuals will be able to book their fourth dose appointment:

  • through the COVID-19 vaccination portal 
  • by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900
  • directly through public health units that use their own booking systems
  • through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics  and 
  • at participating pharmacies

Click here »» to read the full announcement

I hope you find this information helpful. Please contact me for assistance working through your staffing matters.