COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated

#ShopAndVax is a focused initiative to bring COVID-19 vaccines to local shopping centres.

The campaign is part of Team Toronto’s continued efforts to make COVID-19 vaccines as accessible as possible and to bring vaccines to where residents live, work and play.

Clinics will be held on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the following locations:

• CF Fairview Mall – 1800 Sheppard Ave E.
• CF Sherway Gardens – 25 The West Mall
• CF Shops at Don Mills – 1090 Don Mills Rd.
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St.
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre – 3401 Dufferin St.

The City of Toronto has partnered with Toronto Public Health, University Health Network, along with Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd. and Oxford Properties Group to hold a number of mobile clinics to support a low-barrier access for residents to get their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Read the news release.

General Eligibility & Requirements

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario.

COVID-19 vaccines are not given at the same time as other vaccines. If you received another vaccine recently (not a COVID-19 vaccine), make sure that you get your COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days after you received the other vaccine. Wait at least 28 days after getting the COVID-19 vaccine to receive another vaccine.

If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, please get your vaccine at a later date, when you are feeling better.

Learn more about vaccine use by age. Consult with your health care provider before getting vaccinated, if you:

• are on medications that weaken your immune system – you may want to time your vaccination with your medications
• had an allergic reaction within four hours after receiving your first COVID-19 vaccine dose
• have severe allergies to any of the vaccine ingredients

Your health care provider will review the benefits and risks for your unique situation.

Residents without OHIP cards who meet the current vaccine eligibility criteria for their first or second dose may get vaccinated at any clinic or pharmacy offering vaccine. City-run clinics now operate on a walk-in basis on Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. A health card is not needed, however individuals must bring an acceptable form of identification which may include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card.

The Province requires that residents of Toronto without OHIP numbers requesting vaccination receipts have a COVID ID number, which is issued by Toronto Public Health and several of its community partner agencies. If you previously received assistance to book an appointment at a City immunization clinic, you were likely issued a COVID ID number. If you require a COVID ID number, please make a service request by contacting Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Callers will be invited to leave their contact information so a representative can return their call.

Everyone born in 2009 or earlier is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are needed for complete protection. The interval between the doses is dependent on the vaccine you receive.

Youth 12 to 17 years of age should talk about the benefits and risks of getting the vaccine with a parent or trusted adult. Consent from parents may not be needed if the young person is capable of making the decision. This means the young person must understand information about the vaccine, why it is being recommended and what will happen if they accept or refuse vaccination.

Search the table below to find out where you can access your vaccine and when you can get your second dose:

Please note that Toronto Public Health is not providing invitation codes for people to register for vaccines. Toronto Public Health staff are not able to provide information about scheduled appointments over the phone. Toronto Public Health offices are not an immunization clinic and vaccines are not available onsite.

The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses.

You are eligible to get your second dose at a City clinic if you are born in 2009 or earlier and you:

• Received your first dose of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine at least 28 days ago, or
• Received your first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD at least eight weeks ago

All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.

How to Get Your Second Dose

Walk-in second doses are available at City immunization clinics: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Anyone who receives their second dose as a walk-in should cancel any existing second dose appointment, if they have one booked at a partner clinic. Walk-ins should always prepare for a short wait that may include time lining up outdoors.

Many hospitals are contacting people who received their first dose at hospital or pop-up clinics to book their second dose as they become eligible. Please check your email (including your junk mail folder) and the phone number you provided when you booked or received your first dose.

If You Received an mRNA Vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for Your First Dose

City clinics offer mRNA vaccines and staff will ensure that residents are aware of which vaccine brand they will receive at the time of their appointment. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are incredibly similar with near identical efficacy rates. Anyone over 18 years can safely receive the Moderna mRNA for their first dose or second dose. A “mixed mRNA model” – mixing Pfizer and Moderna for first and second dose – is approved by both the federal and provincial governments. Both vaccines have similar side effects. While Pfizer supply has increased, we encourage everyone to get whichever vaccine is easiest or fastest for them to access as both mRNA vaccines are safe, effective and interchangeable.

If You Received AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD for Your First Dose

As of June 17, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine is now preferred as the second dose for people who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine. If you received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine you can choose to either receive a second dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine, or an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine for your second dose. Both second-dose options are safe and provide strong protection against COVID-19 and will count as a completed series. Individuals who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are eligible to get their second dose at an interval of eight weeks or more with informed consent.

If you would like a second dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, you can book your appointment by contacting the pharmacy or primary care provider where you received your first dose.

If you are choosing to receive an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine for your second dose, you can get your second dose at a City-run immunization clinic or at a participating pharmacy and select primary care settings where mRNA vaccines are administered. If you live, work or attend school in certain postal codes, you may also be eligible to receive a second dose of mRNA vaccine at a pop-up clinic in your area. All of these options are safe, provide strong protection against COVID-19, and will count as a completed series (you will be fully vaccinated).

If You Received a First or Second Dose Outside Ontario/Canada

If you live in Toronto and received a first or second dose outside Ontario, find out how to document your vaccine dose(s).

For the general population, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines provides strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. This includes protection against the Delta variant of concern. Research shows that certain people with low immune response can benefit from a third dose.

On September 14, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced expanded eligibility for third doses for the following groups of people:

Residents of long-term care homes, high-risk retirement homes and elder care lodges

• A third dose can be given at a minimum of five months (20 weeks) after the second dose
• The Government of Ontario has identified Toronto settings that meet the criteria for high-risk. At this time, only those that have been identified are eligible.
• Toronto Public Health is actively working with Toronto facilities to plan and implement this roll-out.

Severely immunocompromised individuals

A third dose can be given at a minimum of eight weeks after the second dose for:

• People undergoing active treatment* for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies
• Recipients of a solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• People with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• People who have Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• People undergoing active treatment** with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the Immunization of Immunocompromised Persons -Canadian Immunization Guide for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.

*Active treatment includes people who have completed treatment within 3 months. Active treatment is defined as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and excludes people receiving therapy that does not suppress the immune system (e.g. solely hormonal therapy or radiation therapy).

**Active treatment for people receiving B-cell depleting therapy including people who have completed treatment within 12 months.

How to get your third dose vaccination:

• Your primary care provider (PCP) or specialist (or their office/clinic) will contact you directly to provide details on how to get vaccinated:
  • Some PCP/specialists are able to administer the vaccine in their practice/clinic
  • If your PCP/specialist is not able to administer vaccine on site, they will give you a referral form or letter confirming that you are eligible for a third dose. The letter must include your full name and address (matching your ID), and your Ontario Health Card Number. Please ensure your form or letter has all the required information before coming to clinic.
  • You must present the completed referral form or eligibility letter to a City-run clinic, hospital clinic or a pharmacy that administers COVID-19 vaccines. 

If readily available, you should get the same vaccine that you got for your second dose for your third dose.

For more information:

• COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations
• COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations

If you live in Toronto and received a first or second dose outside Ontario, please document your vaccine in Toronto Public Health’s online portal. You can document individual COVID-19 vaccines or a full series in Toronto Public Health’s online portal. You will be required to submit proof of vaccination.

Some people vaccinated in Ontario received vaccine from what is referred to as non-Ontario stock. This refers to vaccine that was not allocated to Ontario or recorded in the provincial vaccine management system. Generally these doses were delivered at institutions such as correctional facilities, military groups or embassies. People who received one or two doses of vaccine from the non-Ontario stock may also document them through Toronto Public Health’s online portal.

Document your out of province or non-Ontario stock vaccine

Wait times for processing out-of-province doses

Toronto Public Health (TPH) continues to receive a high volume of requests to create vaccination records for residents who received their vaccination(s) outside Ontario. Each of these requests requires a careful manual review and data input by staff and as a result, residents may experience wait times in receiving confirmation that their Ontario vaccination record has been created.

TPH estimates that requests will be processed within ten business days, though actual processing times may vary as request volumes fluctuate. Please note that submissions with incomplete or unclear information, including errors, may take additional time to process, as they require additional client follow-up.

How to obtain proof of vaccination

If you do not have proof of vaccination, please contact the health care provider who gave you the COVID-19 vaccine(s) to receive a copy of your vaccination record.

Need assistance

If you need assistance documenting your COVID-19 vaccine or if you are not able to provide proof of your vaccination, please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658).

If you received a vaccine that is authorized by Health Canada:

• If you received one dose of a two dose series outside Ontario, you should document this dose and you should get the second dose as soon as you are eligible.
• If you have received all recommended doses or a combination of Health Canada authorized vaccines within the minimum recommended interval, after documenting the out of province dose(s) you will be considered to have a complete vaccine series and no additional doses are needed.

Vaccines approved for use in Canada are currently Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), SpikeVax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

If you received a vaccine that is not authorized by Health Canada:

• If you have received and documented through the TPH portal one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized for use by Health Canada, you will be considered to have received a full vaccine series by getting one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine.
  • The interval between your previous dose and the additional dose should be at least 28 days
  • If you already received three doses of a non-Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine at the minimum intervals, you should not receive any additional doses at this time

If you don’t know what vaccine you received:

• If you received a previous dose and you do not have proof of vaccination, please contact the health care provider who gave you the COVID-19 vaccine(s) to receive a copy of your vaccination record.
• If the COVID-19 vaccine product used for your previous dose(s) remains unknown, or if written proof of vaccination is provided for a vaccine whose generic or trade name is not recognized, a new vaccine series should be started with a Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
  • If you know the date of your previous COVID-19 immunization, wait at least 28 days before getting a new Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine series.

Once you receive confirmation that your previous proof of vaccination has been documented and if you are eligible for an additional dose, you can get your vaccination at:

• Walk-in City immunization clinic: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• mobile vaccination clinics near you
• select primary care clinics
• pharmacies
• hospital immunization clinics

Who is eligible:

People born in 2009 or earlier who live in the City of Toronto and cannot physically leave their home to receive the vaccine for medical, physical, cognitive or psychosocial reasons are eligible for in-home vaccination. An essential caregiver who lives in the home may also be vaccinated.

If you are physically able to leave your home, check information about vaccine eligibility to find out where you can access your vaccine. Transportation support is available if you need help getting to a clinic.

How to register for homebound vaccination:

Please register through the health service that you are currently linked with:

• Primary care provider / physician primary care team: Primary care teams will identify patients, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination. Please connect with your primary care provider to follow up on your vaccination schedule.
• Homecare and Community Service provider: Home care and community service providers will identify patients, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination. Please connect with your homecare or community service provider to follow up on your vaccination schedule.
• Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS): HCCSS will identify patients with chronic home care needs, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination and Toronto Paramedic Services will schedule and complete vaccinations.
• If you are not linked with any primary care or home care provider: Call Toronto Seniors Helpline at 416-217-2077. The helpline is available to support homebound individuals determine eligibility for an in-home COVID-19 vaccination. The helpline can also help people who are able to leave their homes with information about transportation options to a City-run immunization clinic.

If you receive care through primary care or homecare and HCCSS, please contact your primary or homecare provider first. If your primary care or homecare service provider cannot provide the vaccine, you will be referred to Toronto Paramedic Services.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Team Toronto partners bring vaccines directly to workplaces, faith groups, organizations and communities that experience barriers to vaccination and low vaccine uptake through the mobile immunization strategy. Many mobile immunization clinics are open to everyone who is currently eligible to get a first or second dose.

Find a mobile clinic near you

Request a Mobile Clinic for Your Community Setting

TPH is now taking requests for mobile vaccination clinics to come to your neighbourhood, workplace or other location to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.

Who can request a clinic:

Mobile clinics are intended to serve a group, and not a single individual or household.  Mobile clinic requests should be made only by individuals who are authorized to make decisions on behalf of the organization, such as:

How to request a mobile clinic:

An authorized individual may complete and submit the online request form. Please ensure that your contact information is entered correctly. Submitting the form serves as confirmation of your willingness to host the mobile clinic.

Request a mobile clinic

Next steps after you submit your request:

TPH staff will call or email you within three business days to confirm the details of your request and any additional information required. If your request is accepted, TPH will work with you to collaboratively plan the clinic. It is expected that you will take a lead role in promoting the clinic as part of the planning process.

Walk-in vaccinations are available Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., for anyone born in 2009 or earlier to receive a first or second dose mRNA vaccine at all five City-run clinics. More information below.

A health card is not needed for walk-in vaccinations, however individuals must bring some form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card.

Vaccine Clinic Locations

Each clinic is open for walk-in vaccinations Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. View a map of immunization clinics and filter by City-run clinics, hospital clinics and pharmacies. The map shows location and transit information. For parking and accessibility at City-run clinics see below. Use the TTC Trip Planner to find directions to City-run clinics.

View Vaccine Clinic Map

Accommodations

All City-run clinics are able to offer accommodation. Each clinic has parking near the entrance, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs. Staff are also on site at each clinic to support as necessary.  Clients who need a care provider or service animal with them will be accommodated. There are also privacy rooms available upon request.

If you require an accommodation, alert a staff member upon arrival or at any time while at the clinic.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Address: 255 Front St. W., North Building, Hall A (access Hall A via the West Ramp on Front Street at John Street. Look for the directional signage posted around the exterior of the building on Front Street.)

(View map of clinic location within Metro Toronto Convention Centre)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. The accessible entrance is located on Front Street, just west of the Second Cup in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

Walk-In Vaccinations: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for first or second doses of mRNA vaccine. Please prepare appropriately for a short wait outdoors.

A health card is not needed for a walk-in vaccination; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: 1-hour free parking in North Garage

• Those attending the clinic for a vaccination will be provided with one hour of free parking at the MTCC’s North Parking Garage, with the entrance on Simcoe Street.
• Once you have parked, to enter the Immunization Clinic exit the parking garage and walk west along Front Street to access the ramp on the far west side of the building at John Street.
• Once you return to your vehicle after your vaccination, drive out through the designated COVID-19 Immunization Clinic line (look for signage near the exit).
• The parking attendant at that exit will confirm that you attended the clinic and process your ticket for one free hour of parking.

Cloverdale Mall

Address: 250 The East Mall

The clinic is located at the north end of mall (in the previous Target store location). Enter the clinic via the exterior entrance only.

(View map of clinic location within Cloverdale Mall)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

Walk-In Vaccinations: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for first or second doses of mRNA vaccine. Please prepare appropriately for a short wait outdoors.

A health card is not needed for a walk-in vaccination; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: Parking is available at the mall and there is parking available directly in adjacent to the clinic at the north end of the mall complex.

Scarborough Town Centre

Address: 300 Borough Dr.

The clinic is located on the east side of the centre on the upper level, near Entrance 2.

Entry to the clinic is only via the mall exterior.

(View map of clinic location within Scarborough Town Centre)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

Walk-In Vaccinations: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for first or second doses of mRNA vaccine. Please prepare appropriately for a short wait outdoors.

A health card is not needed for a walk-in vaccination; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Washrooms: There are no washrooms available in the clinic. If needed, please use the washrooms in the mall prior to entering the clinic.

Parking: Parking is available in the parking lots at the Scarborough Town Centre (5 hours maximum). Parking lot 2 and lot 5 are closest to the clinic.

Mitchell Field Arena

Address: 89 Church Ave.

The clinic is located on the east side of the building in the gym. Please enter through the Community Centre main entrance.

(View map of clinic location within Mitchell Field Arena)

Accessibility/TTC shuttle bus: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

Walk-In Vaccinations: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for first or second doses of mRNA vaccine. Please prepare appropriately for a short wait outdoors.

A health card is not needed for a walk-in vaccination; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: 

• Parking is located on the east side of the Community Centre.
• Parking is limited so please park for only as long as it takes to complete the vaccination process.

Woodbine Mall

Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd.

(View map of clinic location within Woodbine Mall)

The clinic is located inside the Hudson’s Bay store at Woodbine Mall.  One can enter through the entrance on the second level.

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

Walk-In Vaccinations: Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for first or second doses of mRNA vaccine. Please prepare appropriately for a short wait outdoors.

A health card is not needed for a walk-in vaccination; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: Parking is available at the mall. The parking located outside the Hudson’s Bay store is closest to the clinic.

Hospital and Ontario Health Team (OHT) immunization clinics are providing first and second dose vaccination appointments to individuals in Toronto. Some locations may also offer walk-in vaccinations. Please review the eligibility criteria and booking details for each clinic:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Vaccine Clinic
• Community Place Hub – West Toronto OHT
• Humber River Hospital Vaccine Clinic
• Michael Garron Hospital – East Toronto Health Partners
• North York General Hospital – North York Toronto Health Partners
• Regent Park Community Health Centre – Downtown East Toronto OHT
• Scarborough Health Network – Scarborough OHT
• Sherbourne Health – Downtown East Toronto OHT
• Sunnybrook Vaccination Clinic
• University Health Network

Vaccine Clinic Locations

View a map of immunization clinics and filter by City-run clinics, hospital clinics and pharmacies. The map shows location and transit options. For parking and accessibility at City-run clinics see below.

View Vaccine Clinic Map

Find the pharmacy closest to you that offers COVID-19 vaccines.

Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Please call or visit the pharmacy’s website to review eligibility criteria and check if you need an appointment or if walk-in (first come, first served) vaccinations are available.

You must bring a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card or other form of valid government-issued identification with you to the appointment.

The pharmacy will book your second appointment closer to when the second appointment is due and contact you with the details.

Toronto Public Health is working with healthcare partners and local school boards to offer youth mobile vaccine clinics in neighbourhoods where youth vaccine uptake has been low.

Upcoming youth COVID-19 vaccination clinics

• Wednesday, September 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Saint Fidelis Catholic School, 9 Bannerman Street
• Wednesday, September 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Ionview Public School, 90 Ionview Road
• Thursday, September 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Westview Centennial Secondary School, 755 Oakdale Road
• Thursday, September 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Rouge Valley Public School, 30 Durnford Road
• Friday, September 24 from 4 to 6 p.m.:
  • Galloway Road Public School, 192 Galloway Road
  • Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School, 2170 Kipling Avenue
• Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: St. Joseph Morrow Catholic Secondary School, 3338 Bayview Avenue
• Saturday, September 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.: St. Conrad Catholic School, 5 Exbury Road
• Saturday, September 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: St. Roch Catholic School, 174 Duncanwoods Drive
• Saturday, September 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Maryvale Public School, 1325 Pharmacy Avenue

Before you go to the clinic:

• If you have received another vaccine (not a COVID-19 vaccine) recently, make sure that you get your COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days after you received the other vaccine
• If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, please get your vaccine at a later date, when you are feeling better
• If you have been advised to self-isolate because you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please get your vaccine at a later date, when your isolation period is over
• If you received a Canada approved first dose outside of the province, please ensure this is documented through Toronto Public Health’s online portal before getting your second dose.
• Prepare for a short wait that may include time lining up outdoors
• Review information about the clinic you are visiting, including directions, parking and accessibility
• Make sure that you eat before attending the clinic

What to bring:

• Your OHIP card, if you have one
• A health card is not needed for walk-in vaccinations, however individuals must bring some form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card
• Your mobility device, if you use one
• One support person, if needed
• Face mask or covering
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Water

What to expect when you are getting your vaccine:

• You must wear a face mask or covering at the immunization clinic
• Clinic staff will answer any questions you may have and get your consent for the vaccination
• Let the staff know if you’ve fainted in the past or are anxious about getting vaccinated
• Let the clinic staff know immediately if you feel unwell at any point
• You must stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine to monitor for any reactions
• After 15 minutes, you will get a receipt confirming that you received the vaccine
• The entire process will take about 30 minutes

Tips for a comfortable experience:

Needle fear is common in people of all ages, and some people may experience pain or discomfort when getting their vaccine because of the needle. Consider using the comfort, ask, relax, distract system to feel more comfortable when getting your vaccine:

• Comfort: Find ways to be comfortable, such as wearing a short sleeve top and relaxing your arm
• Ask: Ask questions so you can feel prepared
• Relax: Find ways to keep yourself calm, such as taking deep breaths
• Distract: Distract yourself by talking to someone or listening to music

After you receive your vaccine:

• Continue to wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick
• Let your health care provider know that you were vaccinated
• If you have a reaction to the vaccine, call your health care provider or Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600
• Keep the receipt provided by clinic staff for your records.

The City of Toronto will not tolerate abusive or aggressive behaviour at its immunization clinics. The City is committed to promoting respectful conduct, tolerance and inclusion in all of its workplaces.

Staff are working diligently to help bring an end to this pandemic by administering vaccines that will protect residents, their loved ones and the most vulnerable people in our city.

Anyone who engages in abusive or aggressive behaviour will be asked to leave the clinic.

The Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan offers transportation services to people who may be unable to access or afford existing transportation options to get to their vaccination clinic.

Transportation through the City’s community ride partners is available to seniors, people with disabilities and others who have underlying conditions that put them at greater risk from COVID-19 and/or render them unable to safely access other modes of transportation.

This program is intended for those who have no other options for transportation to vaccination clinics.

Residents are encouraged to help their family members, friends and neighbours with arranging for their vaccination and providing a ride to their local clinic.

Book a Ride to and from Your Vaccination

1. Book your vaccination appointment at a clinic location or plan a time to walk in to a City-run immunization clinics that is in your area of the city.
2. Contact the transportation program in your area to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment or walk-in time. Appointments for rides should be booked no later than 48 hours before your vaccination time. Availability is limited and rides are not guaranteed.

• If you live in central Toronto or Etobicoke, visit Toronto Ride or call 416-481-5250.Toronto Ride boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • highway 401 to the north
  • the Lake to the south
  • Etobicoke Creek / Highway 427 to the west
  • Victoria Park to the east.
  • areas within Etobicoke that are outside the above listed boundaries
• If you live in north Toronto, visit iRide or call 1-844-474-3301. iRide boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • Steeles Ave to the north
  • John St. to the north
  • St. Clair Ave West to the south
  • Dufferin St./Allen to the west
  • Don Valley Parkway to the east.
• If you live in Scarborough, visit Scarborough Ride or call 416 736-9372. Scarborough Ride boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • Steeles to the north
  • the Lake to the south
  • Victoria Park to the west
  • Pickering/Scarborough Border to the east.

A support person or family member can accompany you on the ride, if needed.

Note that transportation vehicles are not accessible and clients should be able to step into the vehicles (with assistance). There will be approximately one hour between drop off at the vaccination clinic and pick up after the appointment.

Transportation is delivered through a collaborative network of City and Ministry of Health funded community not-for-profit agencies that provide rides to vaccination clinics such as City-run immunization clinics, hospitals or pharmacies.

OSDP and Ontario Works

People who receive social assistance may be eligible for medical transportation funds to help cover costs of travel to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Social assistance recipients should contact their caseworker to access transportation funds they may be eligible for.

Uber Canada and TTC Support

Uber Canada has made a generous donation of voucher codes for individual rides.

Earlier this year, these vouchers were distributed to a network of partner community organizations to provide to people who have no transportation options, live in communities with high rates of COVID-19, who have challenges travelling to be vaccinated, as well as for some people with disabilities. Uber Canada vouchers are limited and are not guaranteed.

In partnership with the TTC, the City distributed 15,000 TTC ride vouchers through a network of partner community agencies across Toronto to provide to people who cannot afford transit fare, with no-cost rides to and from vaccination sites.

Wheel-Trans Rides to City Immunization Clinics

Existing Wheel-Trans customers can book rides to and from their vaccine appointments by calling Wheel-Trans Reservations at 416-393-4222, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or online at the Wheel-Trans Self-Booking.

Customers who qualify for Wheel-Trans service, and would like to arrange a trip to and from their vaccination, can apply by calling Wheel-Trans Customer Service at 416-393-4111, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wheel-trans will be reaching out to its approximately 26,000 customers regarding this initiative via email blast, a bulletin on its booking website and a recorded message on its Customer Service line.