Some Windsor-Essex pharmacists calling on province to expand fourth dose booster eligibility
Some Windsor-Essex pharmacists calling on province to expand fourth dose booster eligibility
A Windsor-Essex pharmacist says expanding eligibility of COVID-19 boosters to allow adults to get a fourth dose if they wish could help avoid a surge of vaccine seekers ahead of a possible fall wave.
Tim Brady, Chairmen of the Ontario Pharmacists Association says they’re calling on the Ontario government to open fourth dose eligibility to anyone 18 years or older.
“It's just being extra precautionary,” says Brady. “It's like insurance on your car, or anything else. I mean, if it's not an inconvenience and you can get in to get the shot, it's not gonna hurt you to get it. Especially if you haven’t had any issues in the first three. The chances of having an issue on the fourth is very small.”
“Because we know that the immunity does wane off after a time so anybody under the age of 60, because you're immunity is going to wear off after a time we don't want people when the fall hits not to have any coverage,” Brady explains.
Currently, fourth doses are only available to Ontarians who are 60 or older.
Only 52.4 per cent of people over age 12 in Windsor Essex have received three doses, according to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit‘s latest vaccine statistics from June 29.
“The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit continues to follow the guidance of the Ontario provincial government for COVID-19 vaccine dose eligibility and schedules. All residents are encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 and other vaccinations,” says an email statement to CTV News the health unit.
“But there are people that want it who now are not being allowed to get it,” says Brady. “So at this point our goal is if someone wants to get the injection to feel safer, we want to make sure we can give it to them.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW | U.S. Justice Dept. seeks to unseal search warrant of Trump home
The Justice Department has asked a court to unseal the search warrant the FBI received before searching the Florida estate of former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday.

BREAKING | Massive power outage hitting downtown Toronto causing major disruptions
A widespread power outage is currently affecting the downtown core in Toronto and officials say it may have been caused by a large crane that struck a high-voltage transmission line.
National system for tracking health-care staff needed to address future challenges: CMA president
A national tracking system for health-care workers, with information on what training they have, where they're located and what their career plans are, would make a 'significant difference' in addressing future staffing challenges, the president of the Canadian Medical Association says.
Police investigating attack on Brampton, Ont. media personality as attempted murder
A Brampton, Ont. media personality who was attacked with a machete and axe in his driveway will need months of physical rehabilitation to recover, a close friend says.
Canadian army veteran charged with murder after mass shooting in Belize nightclub
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran has been charged with murder in connection to a mass shooting in Belize that left two people dead and eight others injured.
More Ukrainian refugees could come to Canada if visa policy eased: report
A new report says Canada needs to change its federal visa policy to speed up the admission of Ukrainian refugees, which has slowed to a trickle.
'Sturgeon moon': Last supermoon of the year rises tonight
The last supermoon of the year, known as the 'sturgeon moon,' will rise in the evening sky tonight.
Four-year-old girl found wandering on tracks near Toronto subway station
A four-year-old girl who went missing from her home Thursday morning was found wandering on train tracks near a Toronto subway station.
P.E.I. group calls on government to reinstate COVID-19 measures
A group on Prince Edward Island is calling for a return to tougher COVID-19 restrictions in the province.