WEVAX

Third Doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are available for the following select vulnerable populations:

• Individuals receiving active treatment1 (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for solid tumour or hematologic malignancies.
• Recipients of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
• Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Individuals with stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
• Individuals receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies2 (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the CIG for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive (see Table 1 in the Ministry of Health Third Dose Recommendations Guidance Document for the list of immunosuppressant medications for third doses).
• Residents of Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH), Retirement Homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges, and elderly living in other congregate settings (e.g. assisted-living facilities, chronic care hospitals, naturally occurring congregate retirement settings/congregate senior’s apartment buildings, etc.). Learn more from this Government of Ontario fact sheet.

Prior to being vaccinated individuals in the above groups should consult with their treating health care provider to determine the exact timing of their vaccination, in order to optimize the immune response from the vaccine series and minimize delays in the management of their underlying condition.

Individuals in the above groups who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine should be immunized with a primary series of three doses of an mRNA vaccine.

Children & youth 12 (or turning 12 in 2021) to 17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine only at this time.

How to Get Your Third Dose

Based on existing vaccine registration records from first and second doses, all patients categorized as moderately to severely immunocompromised will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment for their third dose. The WECHU will work closely with the congregate settings listed above to administer third doses.

Those uncertain about their eligibility should contact their health care provider prior to scheduling a vaccination appointment. Once you have confirmed your eligibility, please call 226-773-2200 to book your appointment.