4th COVID-19 vaccine doses now available to all adults in Hamilton

Hamilton residents over the age of 18 can now get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot.

Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS)said anyone who got a third dose at least five months ago is eligible for another one.

People who have had a COVID-19 infection must wait at least three months.

"COVID-19 is still present in the community and increasing trends in cases and wastewater signal data indicate that transmission is increasing across Ontario and here in Hamilton," said public health.

The city announced the expansion of eligibility for fourth doses following a similar announcement by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health on Wednesday.

HPHS says it anticipates demand could be higher than available capacity for those booking an appointment for a fourth dose.

"Due to a high volume of newly-eligible individuals in upwards of 160,000 community members should check back daily for available appointments," a news release from HPHS said.

Appointments can be booked 14 days in advance, with new appointment dates being added daily.

HPHS says it will increase the local capacity for vaccinating people and listed some ways peoplecan get vaccinated:

• Hamilton Public Health Services' Mountain Vaccine Clinic at LimeRidge Mall will increase capacity up to 250 doses per day from 160 doses per day capacity at current.

• 133 neighbourhood pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccines.

• Hamilton Public Health Services mobile pop-up vaccination clinics will continue to have capacity to administer 100 doses per clinic, per day.

• Ontario Ministry of Health GO-VAXX bus clinics will maintain capacity of up to 150 doses per day, as available in Hamilton.

HPHS strongly recommendsthat adults with compromised immune systems,and other previously eligible and high-risk individuals, receive their fourth dose of vaccine if they have not already. This includes:

• Peopleaged 60 and over.

• First Nation, Inuit and Mtis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older.

• Residents of local long-term care homes, retirement homes, or an elder care lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services.

Community members 18 to 59 years old with an underlying health conditions likeheart disease or cancerare also recommended to receive a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, HPHS says.

Information about local COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations, hours of operations, and how to book appointments is available online.

HPHS also encourage residentsto check with local pharmaciesoffering COVID-19 vaccinations.

Anyone who wantsa first, second or third dose can access a COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis.