Submitted by: Northwestern Health Unit
The Ford government is accelerating COVID vaccinations across Ontario.
Starting Monday morning, anyone turning 70 and over this year, as well as individuals who received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine before April 18, will be able to book an early second dose ahead of schedule through the provincial booking system.
As well, starting today, the same groups are eligible to receive their accelerated second dose appointment through pharmacies and primary care settings participating in the vaccine rollout.
Others who are eligible include:
- First Nations, Inuit and Metis people and their household members
- Those who live in a long-term care home or Elder care lodge
- Transplant recipients, dialysis patients, cancer patients on active treatment, and those taking anti-CD20 agent medications
- High risk health care workers
The newly added groups above can book an appointment using the Provincial Booking System beginning June 7, however, if preferred, they can instead attend a Northwestern Health Unit led walk-in clinic.
In addition, those who received their first dos of the AstraZeneca vaccine and are opting to receive either a second dose of that same vaccine or others can now schedule their second dose appointment at participating pharmacies.
This is due to an increased supply of vaccines province-wide.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says, “This is great news for our region as residents continue to take advantage of securing their vaccinations across Kenora-Rainy River. Another important step forward to re-opening. Thanks to the Northwestern Health Unit, pharmacies and all involved in the distribution efforts.”
