Who is eligible for a 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose? A province-by-province breakdown

As a seventh wave of COVID-19 begins sweeping across Canada, with the Omicron BA.5 subvariant driving transmission, some provinces are expanding eligibility for a fourth dose of the vaccine.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) released its guidance for a fall booster campaign late last month. The committee recommended that those with increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should be offered a shot in the fall, adding that anyone between the ages of 12 and 64 may also be eligible at that time.

Although all provinces are offering a fourth dose to eligible groups, as of June 19 just over half of Canadians have yet to receive their third dose, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). 

"I would really double down on those efforts, in terms of getting fourth doses into the most vulnerable and third doses into a lot of people who are still eligible but have not yet received them," said infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch.

While most provinces are already offering a fourth shot (or, for the general population, a second booster) to their most vulnerable residents, some — such as Quebec and Prince Edward Island — have expanded eligibility substantially.

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"Those who would most benefit from a fourth dose are people on the older end of the spectrum and people with underlying medical conditions that put them at greater risk for severe infection," Bogoch said, speaking specifically to the eligibility guidelines in July 2022.

"That's what the data suggests," he said. "So even if it's opened up, just remember that's who would most benefit from a fourth dose."

CBC News has gathered eligibility guidelines from every province and territory.

Last week, the Yukon government expanded eligibility for a fourth shot.

All individuals 18 and older can now book a fourth shot if six months have passed since their third shot. Appointments begin on July 13. For those who have recently had COVID-19, a fourth shot (or second booster) is not recommended until three months have passed.

In the Northwest Territories, all individuals aged 50 and older and all immunocompromised people aged 12 and older are eligible to receive a fourth dose. In accordance with NACI's guidelines, the territory recommends that individuals wait at least six months after their third dose before booking another shot.

Residents of Nunavut aged 18 and older are eligible for a fourth dose if it has been four and a half months since their last dose. Some jurisdictions are prioritizing specific age groups. 

In British Columbia everyone aged 12 and up is encouraged to get a booster shot this fall if six months have passed since their last dose.