The Government of Yukon is encouraging Yukoners at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to receive two doses of vaccine per calendar year. This recommendation follows the latest guidance from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Individuals between six months and 64 years of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment), as well as residents in long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors, who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within three months, and adults aged 65 and older are now eligible to receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine per calendar year due to their increased risk of severe illness.
This change reflects current evidence and national guidance and will help ensure that those at highest risk remain well protected.
Vaccines are still encouraged and are available free of charge for everyone else aged six months and older.
Only Yukoners who have increased risk of severe illness will be offered a second dose. Individuals who have recently recovered from COVID-19 are advised to wait three months after their recovery before receiving their vaccine.
Eligible Yukoners can book their appointment by contacting or visiting their local health centre. Whitehorse residents are advised that the online booking system is temporarily offline for maintenance and is expected to be back in service by May 25. In the meantime, appointments can be made by calling or visiting the Whitehorse Health Centre at 9010 Quartz Road or the Whitehorse Health Centre NVD place directly. Pharmacies may also have vaccine appointments available.
For more information about booking your appointments, please contact your local health centre or pharmacy.
As we continue to adjust to living with COVID-19, it’s important that we remain focused on protecting those who are at greater risk of serious illness, including seniors and immunocompromised individuals. Timely booster doses remain one of the most effective tools we have to protect our health system and keep our communities healthy.
Additional doses offer eligible Yukoners an important opportunity to strengthen their protection against severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination continues to be a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of complications from this infection. I encourage those who are eligible to take this step to support their ongoing health and wellbeing.
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Additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for seniors, long-term care residents and immunocompromised individuals.
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These individuals may receive an additional dose at least three months following their last COVID-19 vaccine.
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People who recently had COVID-19 should wait three months after infection to receive another dose.
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Booking is available through local health centres and pharmacies.
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Online booking for the Whitehorse Health Centre will resume May 25; until then, residents should call or visit the clinic in person.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
[email protected]