Summary
In response to evolving data around the transmissibility of the Delta variant and based on the recent experiences of other jurisdictions, our government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action to increase protection for our most vulnerable, including frail seniors, immunocompromised individuals and young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. This includes making COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in high-risk settings, pausing the province’s exit from the Roadmap to Reopen and providing third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations. The government is also expanding eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine to children born in 2009 or earlier.
Key Messages
- While Ontario remains a leading jurisdiction for first and second doses administered, the Delta variant is highly transmissible and the experience of other jurisdictions shows we must remain vigilant.
- Our government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action to increase protection for our most vulnerable.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
- To protect vulnerable patients and staff, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a directive mandating COVID-19 vaccination policies in high risk settings. This include hospitals, home and community care service providers and paramedics.
- To support the return to school plan, the Ministry of Education intends to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly-funded school board employees, and staff in private schools as well as for all staff in licensed child care settings for the 2021-22 school year, with rapid antigen testing requirements for staff who are not immunized against COVID-19.
- Vaccination policies will also be implemented in other higher risk settings such as:
- Post-secondary institutions;
- Licensed retirement homes;
- Women’s shelters; and
- Congregate group homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities, children’s treatment centres and other services for children with special needs, and licensed children’s residential settings.
- Updated Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Ontario will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to those at highest risk, providing them with an extra layer of protection.
- Starting on August 18, 2021, all children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 will be eligible to receive their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.