Ontario expanding 2nd dose COVID-19 vaccine bookings to 70+ starting June 7

By News Staff

Ontario says it plans to open up bookings for a second dose of the COVID-19 to individuals 70 years and older ahead of schedule.

Starting Monday, those aged 70 and over as well as individuals who received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on or before April 18, 2021, can book their second dose appointment using the provincial booking system or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.

The move is being made a week ahead of schedule due to “an increasing supply of vaccines.”

Some public health units who are using their own booking system may expand eligibility sooner, according to the province.

York Region became the first public health unit to accept appointments for anyone aged 70-and-up back on June 2.

As of May 31, seniors 80-and-up became eligible to book their second dose appointments.

“The province will continue to accelerate second doses for all Ontarians based on when they received their first dose, as well as on the availability of vaccines,” provincial health officials said in a statement. “All Ontarians are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.”

Also on Friday, Ontarians who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine had the choice to book a second dose of the same vaccine or choose between Pfizer or Moderna. Second-dose bookings are available at pharmacies for people who received an AstraZeneca vaccine 12 weeks ago.

There are now 327 pharmacies in the Toronto, Windsor-Essex and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington public health units offering the AstraZeneca vaccine, and nearly 450 additional pharmacies offering the Moderna vaccine, according to the province.

Those opting for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can schedule through a participating pharmacy offering either of those vaccines.

Moving forward, here is the anticipated schedule for eligibility to book a second dose appointment based on confirmed supply:

  • Week of June 28: individuals who received their first dose between the week of March 8 to April 18, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals with the highest-risk health conditions and special education workers.
  • Week of July 19: individuals who received their first dose between the week of April 19 to May 9, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals aged 50 and over, as well as individuals with high-risk health conditions.
  • Week of August 2: individuals who received their first dose between the week of May 10 to May 30, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals who cannot work from home and individuals who have at-risk health conditions.
  • Week of August 9 to 16: individuals aged 12 to 25
  • Week of August 9: individuals who received their first dose from the week of May 31 onwards on a “first-in, first out” basis, respecting the recommended intervals.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today