Ontario’s chief physician says the definition of who is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may change with the implementation of booster injections.
Dr. Kieran Moore made the remarks in response to a question from a journalist at a press conference on Friday, where new measures were announced amid concerns about the increasing number of cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.
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Ontario Announces New Measures Amid Rise in COVID Cases
“Certainly, we are encouraging all those who are currently eligible for the third dose to get theirs and will follow the immune protection of a third dose against Omicron to understand what immunologically represents the best protection against Omicron,” Moore said.
“That can change the definition of what is fully immunized.”
His comments came as Ontario announced several new measures in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the spread of the Omicron variant, which Moore says could become the dominant strain in Ontario within weeks.
Among the new measures, the government announced that eligibility for booster vaccines will be expanded to everyone over 18 years of age starting January 4.
Appointments can be booked about six months after a person receives their second dose.
It was previously announced that starting Monday, all adults over the age of 50 will be eligible for a booster shot in Ontario.
The government also announced that use of the province’s vaccination test system will be extended beyond January 17, a previously set target date of when it would begin to be lifted.
“This is in line with Ontario’s reopening plan, which required the absence of worrying trends before gradually lifting more public health measures,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott.
The system requires individuals to show proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination along with identification to access certain settings.
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