TORONTO – By the week of June 28, all adult Ontarians will be eligible to book their second COVID-19 vaccination shot.
The province on Thursday announced it was accelerating second doses, starting with anyone who received their first dose on or before May 9, who will be eligible to book or rebook their second vaccination starting on Monday.
Two days later those living in designated southern Ontario hotspots who received their first shot on or before May 30 can book a second dose, and then starting the following week, anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment, as long as it’s 28 days after their first dose.
The province did say it will receive about 550,000 fewer Pfizer vaccines in the first two weeks of July, but will make that up in the final two weeks of the month.
“The large increase of Moderna vaccines and steady supply of Pfizer has enabled Ontario to speed up second dose appointments, target hot spot areas and provide more options for people to become fully immunized,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “With every vaccine administered we are making meaningful progress in our collective efforts to protect our loved ones and keep communities safe.”
According to the province, more than 75 per cent of adult Ontarians have had their first shot and 19 per cent have had both doses.
The province needs 70 per cent of adults with one shot and 20 per cent with two to move into Step 2 of its reopening plan.
Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday said he’s going to speak to the province’s science table panel and Dr. David Williams, the chief medical officer of health for Ontario, to determine if the province can enter Step 2 earlier than July 2.
According to the plan, three weeks must pass between the start of one step before the next one can begin.
