COVID-19 vaccines for First Nations, Inuit and Métis

Overview

Ontario is working with Indigenous partners to develop a mass vaccination plan for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, taking into account local conditions and individual community needs.

Who can get vaccinated?

Children (5 to 11 years)

All children ages 5 to 11 can receive the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Interval between doses

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends waiting eight weeks after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before administering the second dose, as there is some evidence that a longer interval between doses results in a stronger immune response and better vaccine efficacy. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis.

Youth (12 to 17 years)

All children ages 12 to 17 can receive the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as a booster dose.

Interval between doses

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends waiting eight weeks after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before administering the second dose, as there is some evidence that a longer interval between doses results in a stronger immune response and better vaccine efficacy. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis.

You can schedule your third dose (Pfizer vaccine recommended) six months (168 days) apart after a second dose. You must be at least 12 years old at the time of your appointment.

Adults (18 years and older)

All adults can receive the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as a booster dose.

Adults who identify themselves as First Nations, Inuit and Métis and non-Indigenous family members aged 18 and over can receive a fourth dose (second booster) of the vaccine.

Interval between doses

If you are 18 years or older, you can schedule your third dose (first booster) three months (84 days) after your second dose.

You may receive a fourth dose (second booster) at a recommended interval of five months (140 days) after your third dose (first booster) or at least three months (84 days) after your third dose (first booster).

For immunocompromised people

Primary Series and Three-Dose Boosters for Immunocompromised Individuals

Some immunocompromised people ages 5 and older may receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks after their second dose as part of an expanded primary series.

Eligible immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older may receive a fourth dose (first booster) after their first series of three doses. The recommended interval is six months (168 days) for youth ages 12 to 17 and three months (84 days) for those ages 18 and older.

In addition, eligible immunocompromised individuals who received the primary series of three doses and who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and non-Indigenous family members 18 years of age or older may receive their second booster at a recommended five-month interval ( 140 days) or a minimum interval of three months (84 days) after the first booster.

Where to get vaccinated?

If you identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in one of the following ways:

You can also make an appointment to receive a dose of the vaccine:

• at participating pharmacies;
• via the COVID-19 vaccination portal;
• by contacting the Provincial Vaccination InfoCentre at: 1 833 943-3900 (ATS for the deaf, hard of hearing or people with speech impairment: 1 866 797-0007†
• on the GO-VAXX bus;
• directly with public health departments using their own reservation system;
• through indigenous-run vaccination clinics;
• in some primary care settings;
• in hospital clinics (contact your local hospital or public health department for appointment details, if available in your area);
• at mobile or pop-up clinics (check your local public health department’s website for details, if these clinics are available in your area);
• at your retirement home, long-term care home, retirement home, or residential care facility (public health departments work with homes to give you your dose where you live or at a mobile clinic).

Read here how to make an appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Find an Indigenous Supported Clinic

Find information about vaccinations or make an appointment to get vaccinated.

---

Additional Resources