News Release
June 18, 2021

The City of Toronto is moving quickly to open 90,000 new vaccine appointments over the next two weeks to respond to continued unprecedented demand as eligibility for second vaccine doses opens further.

Later today, 30,000 appointments at City-run immunization clinics will open in the provincial booking system for the week of June 21. The City will announce as soon as they are live in the system. On Monday, the remaining 60,000 appointments will open for the week of June 28.

The Delta variant is a real threat to the progress everyone has made fighting COVID-19. Public health officials advise that getting as many residents vaccinated as quickly as possible with the supply available is the best way to combat this variant.

To address the demand for both first and second doses of vaccine, City-operated clinics will maximize their capacity with approximately 125,000 doses administered per week, starting on June 22. Because this additional vaccine supply is Moderna, only those 18 years of age or over are eligible to book these additional appointments. There remain Pfizer vaccine appointments for anyone over the age of 12 at City-run clinics, as well as at Team Toronto health partner clinics.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are incredibly similar with near identical efficacy rates. A “mixed mRNA model” – mixing Pfizer and Moderna for first and second dose – is approved by both the federal and provincial governments. Earlier this week, the City opened 30,000 appointments for the Moderna vaccine for June 22-27. Each of those appointments have now been filled.

Vaccination is available in City-run clinics by confirmed appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accommodated. Appointments at City-run clinics can be booked through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button at the City’s COVID-19 webpage or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007).

Everyone is encouraged get vaccinated. Receiving a second dose of vaccine as soon as one is eligible will help minimize the risk of the Delta variant’s spread in the community.

Starting the week of June 28, anyone aged 18 and over who received their first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to book their second dose appointment after at least 28 days from the day they received their first vaccine dose.

Individuals who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are also eligible to receive a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at an interval of eight to 12 weeks, with informed consent. This can include a second dose of AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine.

Anyone with an existing appointment at a hospital or other vaccination partner clinic who is now booking an earlier appointment at a City-run clinic or unable to attend their appointment is urged to cancel the existing appointment by contacting the partner clinic directly. Cancelling unneeded appointments lets someone else book that slot and access vaccine that will protect them, their friends and family.

To easily connect to resources including vaccine appointment bookings, information on vaccines and upcoming telephone town halls, Toronto residents can text “VACCINE” to 1-833-750-0888 or 833-750-0888 for more information.

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:

“I know the vast majority of Toronto residents want to protect themselves, protect their family and friends, and protect our city’s progress fighting COVID-19. The best way to do that is by getting your first and second dose of vaccine. Team Toronto is doing everything we can to administer doses as quickly as possible. These additional 90,000 appointments over the next two weeks will help people who want their first or second doses as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone working across Toronto to help our residents get vaccinated and thank you to everyone stepping forward to get their first and the just as important second shots.”
– Mayor John Tory

“The demand for vaccination appointments in our City is a wonderful sign. It’s clear that Torontonians are doing their part to get fully vaccinated to help protect themselves and their loved ones. With more appointments opening up on Monday morning, more people will be able to book their first and second doses at our City-run immunization clinics. With each shot, we’re one step closer to getting Toronto vaccinated.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health

“To protect our community, our health system and our reopening, each of us need to get or complete our vaccinations as soon as possible. I’m most concerned about people who haven’t been vaccinated at all. The Delta variant poses a demonstrated risk of infection to anyone who is not fully vaccinated – and that is everyone who has only had one dose of vaccine or had none at all. With new appointments, comes new opportunities to get vaccinated as soon as you can.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“This increase in vaccine allocation helps to meet the overwhelming demand for residents to get their first or second dose of vaccine. If you haven’t already booked your appointment, now is the time.”
– Fire 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.

Media Relations