Good news if you’re over 55 and been waiting to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Starting Friday, the provincial government is expanding eligibility to that age group including for Northwestern Health Unit led clinics.
An appointment can be booked through the government’s website.
The Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott also addressed vaccine shipment numbers. “An increased supply of vaccines means we will not be taking away vaccines from other public health regions. Their allocations will remain the same a previously planned, and will increase later in May.”
Ontario is anticipating more than 800,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the beginning of May.
That bodes well for the push to shrink the time between receiving the first and second COVID-19 vaccine.
Elliott also unveiled plans for adults over the age of 18. “We will continue to expand booking eligibility across the province, throughout the month of May with individuals aged 18 and older eligible to book through the provincial booking system as early as the week of May 24.”
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones points out they are working to get it to as many as possible, especially hospital workers, but it comes down to supply.
“Medical experts have told us repeatedly it is far better to vaccinate a larger percentage of the population, than to shrink that with the doses [by offering doses to fewer for second shot],” notes Jones.
The Solicitor General adds this strategy is based on the clear guidance of the National Advisory Council on Immunizations.
