Ontario is moving up its vaccine schedule, meaning those aged 18 and up will be able to begin booking an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic as of May 18, however, Algoma Public Health (APH) has not yet opened appointments to this age group in the region.
The province announced this morning that 2.2 million doses are expected to arrive this week, an early delivery of next week’s shipment to accommodate the upcoming Victoria Day weekend.
As of 8 a.m. on May 18, those aged 18 and older in Ontario can begin booking their vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, or directly through their local public health units that use their own booking system.
“Individuals who are 17 years old and are turning 18 in 2021 will also be eligible to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment only for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine,” the province stated. “The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in youth aged 12 and over. The provincial booking system will note which clinics are not offering vaccines for those who are 17 years old.”
Vaccine booking for teens and tweens is also expected to occur this month. Ontario said today, those aged 12 to 17 will be eligible to book a vaccine appointment for the Pfizer vaccine starting the week of May 31.
“We are also working to encourage eligible family members who have not received a vaccine to attend these clinics to get youth and their families vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
As of May 18, Ontario also said public health units can choose to provide vaccines to those aged 12 and over in pop-up and mobile clinics, as well as for walk-in appointments where the Pfizer vaccine is offered. This will include First Nations, Inuit and Métis clinics that offer the Pfizer vaccine.
A dedicated clinic times for youth is expected to be offered during the weeks of June 14 and 21.
– Sudbury.com