With Omicron spreading rapidly, here’s how to get your COVID shot in Hamilton

With Omicron spreading rapidly and expected to soon become the dominant strain, Hamiltonians are gearing up to get their first, second and third COVID shots.

Ontario announced Wednesday that everyone 18 and up can get boosters starting Monday, Dec. 20. Those eligible can also get their third shots sooner - 84 days after their second dose instead of six months. Some pharmacies may offer boosters by walk-in for those over 18 starting Friday, Dec. 17.

Here's how you can get yours:

Who is eligible

First and second shot: anyone five years old and up.

Third shot: people 50 and up, health-care workers, Indigenous adults, AstraZeneca recipients and people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications. For a full list, see Ontario's Third Dose Recommendations." Starting Monday, those 18 and up will also be eligible, though some pharmacies may offer boosters as of Friday.

How to get a shot

There are three options:

• Local clinics - visit hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine;

• Pharmacies - full list at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations;

• Walk-in at GO-VAXX bus clinics (see below).

Individuals five to 11 years old and those eligible for a third shot must get an appointment at local clinics, except at GO-VAXX bus clinics. Pharmacies may offer walk-ins - call or visit the location website for details.

What is the interval between second and third shots?

The new interval is 84 days from the second shot to get a third dose. Those who've already booked third dose appointments may rebook for an earlier time.

I can't get an appointment

Try pharmacies listed at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations. Some are offering walk-ins for booster shots.

Walk-in at provincial GO-VAXX bus mobile holiday stops, for Pfizer only:

• Hamilton Fire Hall - Station 28, 1801 Brock Rd., Freelton on Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;

• Pat Quinn Parkdale Arena, 1770 Main St. E. on Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;

• Hamilton City Hall outdoor clinic, 71 Main St. W., Dec. 29, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

New appointments are added to the city's booking tool daily on a rolling two-week schedule. The city says it's increasing capacity and redeploying staff to help address demand.

Starting Dec. 17, a new temporary clinic is opening at the St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton West 5th Campus.

Other clinics will increase capacity, including at the Centre on Barton, CF Lime Ridge Mall, the Hamilton Health Sciences West End Clinic (for health-care workers) and Winterberry Family Medicine.

Which vaccine should I get for the third dose?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends:

• Pfizer: 18 to 29 years old;

• Pfizer or either full or half dose of Moderna (on clinical discretion): 70 years and up, seniors' congregate settings, moderately to severely immunocompromised adults;

• Half dose of Moderna (50 micrograms) or full dose of Pfizer (30 micrograms): everyone else.

Maria Iqbal covers aging issues for The Spectator. miqbal@thespec.com