Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks at a press conference at Queen's Park on May 28, 2021.
The Ontario government plans to accelerate the rollout of second doses of Covid vaccines and Premier Doug Ford expects everyone who wants a shot in the province could be fully vaccinated by the end of August.
“This is extremely important news. It means more protection from this horrible virus sooner,” Ford says. “It means we can begin getting back to doing the things we love. And it means we’re all getting one step closer to returning to normal. Because the faster we deliver vaccines, the faster we can put this pandemic behind us for good.”
“We see what’s happening in other places where people have been fully vaccinated,” continues Ford. “Well, the good news is that can be us.”
Ford provided a vaccination update at Queen’s Park Friday morning and says Ontario has reached its target to administer first doses to 65 per cent of residents age 18 and older ahead of schedule.
Next Monday, the province will begin offering second dose appointments to adults age 80 and over. By the week of June 14, second dose appointments will expand to the 70 and older age group.
“The province will then continue to expand eligibility for second dose appointments based on date of first dose,” a release from the Ontario government explains. “Ontario will further accelerate the rollout of second doses in the event that the federal government confirms increased vaccine deliveries.”
Ford says the interval between first and second doses will shorten from the current 16 weeks to as little as four weeks after a first shot, depending on supply and local clinic availability.
According to the province, Ontarians who have received a first shot and are eligible for an accelerated second dose may be able to return to the same site or channel they received a first dose, or may choose to book an appointment at a different site.
“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,” a statement from the provincial governmente explains. “Second dose appointments can also be booked (without a first appointment) in the provincial booking system.”
The province says the timing of second dose appointments may vary based on local considerations, vaccine supply and the date of first dose appointment.