The Province will push ahead with second dose COVID-19 vaccinations.
Today Premier Doug Ford said it’s due to a stable amount of vaccine supplies.
“Starting on Monday, second doses will be offered to anyone over 80 years (old), followed by anyone over 70 years old beginning the week of June the 14th,” he said.
The province will then continue to expand eligibility for second dose appointments based on the date of the first dose.
Ontario will further accelerate the rollout of second doses in the event that the federal government confirms increased vaccine deliveries.
Ford says already, the Province is ahead of schedule with over 65 percent of Ontario adults having had their first doses.
Over 8.5 million doses in fact have been administered, he said.
Ford says everyone who wants to have their two doses could have them by the end of summer.
Ontarians who have had their first dose and are eligible for an accelerated second dose may be able to return to the same site or channel where they received their first dose for their second dose appointment or may choose to book an appointment at a different site or channel.
Second dose appointments can be rebooked through the provincial booking system and through pharmacies.
For those in public health units who use their own booking system, or who received their doses from the primary care provider or through a pop-up clinic, more information will follow on how and when second dose booking and rebooking will be available. Second dose appointments can also be booked (without a first appointment) in the provincial booking system.
Ontario has already begun offering second doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at an accelerated pace with a 10-week interval for individuals who received their first dose between March 10 to March 19, 2021. Acceleration of AstraZeneca second doses will be provided at a 12-week interval, dependent on vaccine supply, with booking eligibility based on the date of the first dose. Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where they received their first dose to book an appointment.
They might be redirected to a local pharmacy that is participating in administering second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Primary care settings and pharmacies may also be reaching out to eligible Ontarians. The province will provide further guidance based on advice expected shortly from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) with respect to administering doses of two different vaccine types.
This advice will be provided in advance of the 12-week interval when most people are needing to receive their second dose.
Ontario has reached its goal of administering first doses of the #COVID19 vaccine to 65% of Ontarians 18+ ahead of schedule!
Thank you to our #HealthCareWorkers for getting shots in arms and every Ontarian who booked an appointment and rolled up their sleeve to stop the spread. pic.twitter.com/GCncls05Xb
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) May 28, 2021