The health unit is letting residents know who’s first in line for inoculation, following the opening of Ontario’s new COVID-19 booking portal..
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paula Stewart says 10,251 individuals have received at least one dose of vaccine since the local vaccination roll out started.
With the opening of the provincial portal on Monday, she says they’ve been working nonstop in order to book as many appointments as possible.
“The province has said that they think enough vaccines are coming so that anyone who wants it could have it by June 1st now that we’re delaying the second doses,” Dr. Stewart said. “Hang in there, you will get your turn, and stay safe while you’re doing it.”
As of Monday, the following groups are eligible to get their vaccine:
- Healthcare Workers who are the highest priority.
- Healthcare Workers who are very high priority.
- Healthcare workers who are high priority.
- Staff and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate settings for seniors.
- Adults 80 or older.
- All Indigenous adults 55 or older.
- Adult recipients of chronic home care.
Dr. Stewart says you should check the health unit’s eligibility tool to see if you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, and the tool will be updated regularly as vaccinations progress.
“Put your name, your age, so we know that you’re eligible, and where you would like to be booked,” she said. “Then you’ll get a call back that says where the appointment will be. So, that is for people who want to be vaccinated before the end of April.”
There are multiple ways you can book an appointment, from email to over the phone, and the health unit will help residents book into a vaccine clinic within the health jurisdiction.
You can call the local Leeds, Grenville, Lanark Booking Centre toll-free at 1-844-369-1234 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
Meanwhile, there’s also an additional option for residents 80 or older.
These residents can use the provincial booking tool or call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488.
The first provincial appointments for Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark begin April 5.
If you’ve already gotten your first dose, there is also support if you need help to book an appointment for your second.
Dr. Stewart also encourages residents to help out friends or family who are 80 or older, who may not have online access or aren’t comfortable with booking an appointment themselves.
“Many people over the age of 80 may not have internet or may not be used to using it, some are totally savvy but if that’s a situation for someone you know, you can book for them,” said Dr. Stewart. “You just need their permission and their health card number.”
