Yesterday, the City of Toronto announced the Long Weekend Dose Drive and opened 19,000 new appointments at six City-run immunization clinics for the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend. From Friday to Monday, including the 19,000 new appointments, the nine City-run clinics have the vaccine supply and capacity to vaccinate 56,160 people.
Total appointments for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are now 73 per cent booked. More than 15,115 appointments are still available – that’s 15,000 more people who could be vaccinated against COVID-19 this long weekend. Eligible individuals should book now to take part in this significant vaccination push.
Everyone age 18 and older is eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a City-operated immunization clinic. While Toronto has surpassed 60 per cent vaccine coverage, there is a need to continue to increase vaccination rates to sustain reopening in the near and long-term and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The increased appointment availability is spread across six of the City’s immunization clinics:
The six clinics were selected based on their ability to scale operations, accessibility and ability to support hot spot neighbourhoods.
Appointments can be booked by eligible residents through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
City-run clinics are part of the Team Toronto vaccination network that includes hundreds of clinics operated by hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare and community partners. A full list of eligible groups with information on where and how to register for appointments is available on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. Those seeking a vaccine appointment are also encouraged to register and check availability with healthcare partners through vaccineto.ca, local pharmacies or healthcare providers.
For the current wave of COVID-19 in Toronto, amplified by variants of concern, staying home and following public health guidance is the best way to keep everyone safe. Please review the City’s COVID-19: Guide for Residents for public health guidance and information on what is and is not permitted under provincial regulations and City bylaws.
Quotes:
“We’ve opened up thousands of appointments at City-run vaccination clinics for the Long Weekend Dose Drive. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, book your appointment for this weekend. We are working to get as many residents vaccinated as quickly possible so we can ensure that this is the last long weekend in lockdown but we need your help so please get your shot.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The Toronto Long Weekend Dose Drive – be a part of it! Over 15,000 appointments are still available for people to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at our City-run clinics this long weekend. By booking now, you’re helping to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Let’s get Toronto vaccinated.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“Now is your time Toronto. Anyone 18 years of age or older can get their first dose of vaccine this weekend. This long weekend – stay safe, enjoy the good weather, make your vaccine appointment, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health
“The additional vaccine supply this weekend creates an exciting opportunity for even more people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. There may be no better way to celebrate Victoria Day 2021 than by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. I encourage every eligible resident to book their vaccine appointment as soon as possible, so that we can put COVID-19 behind once and for all.”
– Chief Matthew Pegg, General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.