COVID-19 Guidance for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Please see the COVID-19 Guidance Document for Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario to learn more about requirements for long-term care homes with respect to COVID-19. Changes to the document from previous versions are highlighted at the top.
Vaccination for those who work, volunteer or visit Long-Term Care Homes
The Minister’s Directive: Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 Immunization Policy was revoked effective March 14, 2022. Please contact the facility directly to determine the details of the facility’s vaccination policy and what is required for staff, volunteers, caregivers and other visitors.
Vaccination for Residents
On September 12, 2022, the Ontario government announced the rollout plan for the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose, which targets both the original COVID-19 virus as well as the Omicron variants. Access to the new bivalent booster has been prioritized for populations most at risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including individuals living and working in long-term care and retirement homes.
Given the likelihood of a challenging respiratory illness season and the higher risk of severe illness in the long-term care/retirement home resident populations, it is recommended that residents receive the bivalent booster as soon as possible, at least 3 months after their last dose (that is, residents do not need to wait 6 months from their last dose to receive their booster as is the recommendation for those who are 18 years and older and not immunocompromised).
Please contact the staff/management with any questions regarding the bivalent vaccination plans.
For information on all COVID-19 vaccine doses, including eligibility and dose intervals, see the COVID-19 Vaccine Doses page.