TORONTO – The province’s latest change to its vaccine rollout plan could be good news for residents in COVID-19 hot spots.
Ontario on Friday announced it would focus the second phase of vaccinations on older adults, those at risk of serious illness and hot spot areas.
The province has not said if Thunder Bay will be on the list, despite having 389 active cases. It has said 13 other public health units will receive extra doses because of past and current case counts.
Specifically, Phase 2 will include adults aged 60 to 79, individuals with specific health conditions and some primary caregivers, people who live and work in congregate settings and some associated primary caregivers, those who live in hot spots with high rates of death, hospitalizations and transmission, and certain workers who cannot work from home.
"Thanks to the hard work of our health care partners and frontline heroes, Ontario's vaccine rollout is making a positive difference and helping to save the lives of some of our most vulnerable," said Health Minister Christine Elliott.
"We continue to ramp up capacity and are committed to administering as many doses, as quickly as possible to every Ontarian who wants a vaccine."
The province did not break down the roll-out any further and have not listed specific locations that might be considered hot spots.
Phase 1 is well under way in Ontario, focusing on adults older than 80, those living in long-term care and retirement home and front-line workers, particularly those working in health care. More than 820,000 doses have been administered in the province, with 269,000 people fully vaccinated. This includes 95 per cent of long-term care residents.
In Thunder Bay this week, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit began vaccinating adults older than 85, ahead of schedule.
Starting on March 15, the province will open an online booking system and a provincial customer service desk to answer questions and support appointment bookings.
Canada on Friday approved the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, giving Canadians up to four different options for getting a COVID-19 shot.
"Being able to announce the Phase 2 rollout today is exciting news for everyone. The vaccine developments this week mean that we can expect things to move faster than anticipated which is fantastic," said retired Gen. Rick Hillier, who is overseeing Ontario’s vaccine rollout.
“To that end government officials are refining the distribution plans, testing the online booking system and implementing a pilot program with pharmacies and primary care providers in select regions to ensure that they are ready for the launch of Phase Two."
Phase 3 will include all Ontarians who want to be immunized. Vaccines will not be mandatory, but will be encouraged. Phase 2 is expected to conclude in July.
