In alignment with NACI released recommendations, the Province of Ontario recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to individuals with previous COVID-19 infection without contraindications to the vaccine. Below are the recommended intervals between previous COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination for various populations. A longer time interval may result in a better immune response as this allows time for the immune response to mature in breadth and strength, and for circulating antibodies to decrease, thus avoiding immune interference when the vaccine is administered.
Individuals 5 years-of-age and older, infected with COVID-19 prior to their completion -or initiation of primary vaccine series are recommended to receive the next dose of vaccine 8 weeks after symptom onset or positive test.
Individuals 18 years of age and older, infected with COVID-19 after their primary series but before their booster dose, are recommended to receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test.
Individuals 12-17 year-of-age, infected with COVID-19 after their primary series but before their booster dose, are recommended to receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test, provided it's been at least 6 months after completing the primary series.
Individuals 5+ years-of-age who are not considered moderately to severely immunocompromised and with no previous history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children can receive their first or second vaccine 8 weeks after symptom onset or positive test.
Individuals 5+ years-of-age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and with no previous history of MIS-C can receive their first or second vaccine dose 4 to 8 weeks after symptoms onset or positive test.
Individuals 5+ years-of-age with a previous history of MIS-C (regardless of immunocompromised status) can receive their first or second vaccine dose when clinical recovery has been achieved or greater than 90 days since the onset of MIS-C, whichever is longer.
The recommended waiting times between the COVID-19 infection and vaccination are intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at an immunization clinic, enable monitoring for COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and increase immune response to vaccine. However, with informed consent individuals may opt to receive their first, second or a booster dose after symptoms of COVID-19 have resolved and they are no longer infectious.