Fourth Doses for Specific Populations
Residents of long-term care homes and retirement homes, and older adults living in
other congregate settings are at increased risk for both COVID-19 infection and
severe disease, such as hospitalization and death. Many of these individuals are now
up to five months from their third dose and are likely becoming increasingly
susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to waning immunity. A fourth dose of an
mRNA vaccine is recommended for residents of long-term care homes (LTCH),
retirement homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges and older adults living in other
congregate settings providing assisted-living and health services* who received
their third dose at least three months (84 days) prior.
*This includes assistance with: bathing, hygiene, ambulation, feeding, dressing,
continence care, skin care, dementia care, provision of meals, administration of
medications, nursing, or medical services. Other congregate settings may include
chronic care hospitals, or older adults living in congregate settings for people with
developmental disabilities, or older adults living in congregate settings focussed on
mental health and addictions