The Ontario government announced Sunday morning plans to expand COVID-19 vaccination booking to those 18+ that live in one of the 114 hot spots in the province.
The news comes after what the province called "a stable and reliable increase in vaccine supply."
Booking appointments will begin at 8 a.m. Monday and those eligible to book them will be able to do so using the provincial online booking system or directly through public health units that use their own booking system.
“With additional supply our government is increasing access to the COVID-19 vaccines in the communities hardest hit by COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a prepared statement. “Continuing to focus on getting vaccines in the arms of those most at risk will help to stop the spread of COVID-19 in these communities, protect our hospital capacity and save lives. I continue to urge everyone to sign up to receive the vaccine as soon as it’s your turn.”
A list of the 114 hot spots can be found here.
The province also announced on Sunday that, beginning on May 6, some groups will be able to book vaccination appointments through the provincial online system and call centre or directly through health units that use their own system.
Those groups include:
- Individuals turning 50 and over in 2021;
- Individuals with high-risk health conditions;
- People who cannot work from home who fall under Group One (including remaining elementary and secondary school workers); and
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals in addition to the other channels previously available to book their appointment.
"In addition, priority populations who have been only able to book via the provincial call centre will now also be able to book online, including individuals with the highest risk health conditions, child care workers in licenced child care settings and education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs," a provincial release said.