NEWS RELEASE
July 21, 2022Ministry of Health
COVID-19 Paid Sick Days Extended to March 31, 2023
TORONTO — As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will be able to book appointments for the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).
“The approval of a lower dose paediatric Moderna vaccine will give families the opportunity to provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 for the youngest members of their families,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Getting vaccinated remains the best defence against COVID-19 and I encourage parents with questions to reach out to their health care provider, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre or the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to make an informed choice for their family.”
Over the next several days, paediatric vaccines are being distributed across the province and will be available through public health unit clinics, as well as participating paediatricians, primary care providers and pharmacies. Starting July 28, appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their own booking system, participating primary care providers and paediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.
Parents and caregivers with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse.
“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have helped lower the rate of infection in our communities throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Although most children who get infected have no symptoms or mild symptoms, some can become very sick and require hospitalization. The vaccine offered to children aged six months to under five years is a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting this age group from COVID-19. Even if a child has already had COVID-19, vaccination will help to further improve the immune response and provide more robust protection. I encourage every parent and caregiver to consider getting their younger children vaccinated and protected, especially if they are immunocompromised or have other serious medical conditions.”
The Ontario government is also ensuring workers do not lose pay if they miss work due to COVID-19 by extending paid sick days to March 31, 2023.
Eligible workers will continue to receive up to $200 a day for up to three days if they need to get tested, vaccinated, receive booster shots, self-isolate, or care for a family member who is ill from COVID-19. The government will continue to reimburse eligible employers for the paid leave days.
Quick Facts
- Children aged six months to under five years old will receive the paediatric Moderna COVID-19 vaccine which is a slightly modified, lower dose (half the amount given to children aged six to 11), in a two-dose series at a recommended interval of eight weeks between first and second doses.
- Parents or caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will have to provide consent on behalf of the child before or at the time of the appointment. To receive a vaccine, children must already be at least six months old.
- As of July 19, 2022, Ontario has administered more than 33 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 93 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and over having received at least one dose, more than 91 per cent having received a second dose and more than 57 per cent having received a booster.
- Certain immunocompromised Ontarians are eligible for a three dose primary vaccination series and a first booster (fourth dose). Starting on July 28, immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 17 will become eligible for their second booster (fifth dose) at a recommended interval of six months since their first booster (fourth dose). Immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and older are already eligible to receive their second booster dose (fifth dose).
- If you have questions about vaccine eligibility, please contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007), which is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and capable of providing assistance in more than 300 languages.
Additional Resources
- Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Second Booster Shot
- COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth
- Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses
- Visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse
- Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit
- For resources in multiple languages to help local communication efforts in responding to COVID-19, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 communication resources webpage.
- Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.
Media Contacts
Stephen WarnerMinister Jones’ OfficeThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Anna MillerCommunications DivisionThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.416-314-6197