This morning, the City of Toronto opened more than 10,000 new appointments at City-run immunization clinics intended to offer earlier appointments for second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to partially vaccinated individuals age 80 and older.
Vaccination is by appointment only at all City-run immunization clinics. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
On Friday, May 28, the Province of Ontario announced it was accelerating the rollout of second doses, starting today with adults age 80 and older, with the goal of having the majority of residents who wish to be vaccinated receive two doses by the end of summer. The City is now able to support this acceleration due to additional available vaccine this week. More information on the Province’s accelerated rollout of second doses is on the Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan webpage.
More than 73 per cent of adults over the age of 80 living in Toronto have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Of the more than 73 per cent, only 13.4 per cent have received a second dose, which provides a greater level of protection against the virus. Anyone now eligible for accelerated vaccination is able to reschedule their current second dose appointment and book a new appointment for an earlier date.
Adults age 80 and older who have confirmed second dose appointments at City-run clinics, booked through the provincial booking system or provincial call centre, can reschedule their appointments online or by phone. To reschedule online, go to the confirmation email received at the time of booking and follow the instructions. To reschedule by phone, call 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). Those with appointments at a pharmacy or hospital should contact the location directly to schedule a new appointment and to cancel their original second dose appointment.
First dose vaccination appointments for everyone age 12 and older are available at City-run immunization clinics. Appointments can be booked by residents through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on www.toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900. When booking online, people are encouraged to input “Toronto” as their location at the scheduling stage to see the full list of clinics. To find the soonest appointment, click through the list of clinics with availability. Generally, clinics at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Congress Centre, The Hangar and Cloverdale Mall have the greatest appointment availability.
Those seeking a vaccine appointment can also register and check availability with healthcare partners through vaccineto.ca, local pharmacies or healthcare providers.
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.
Since May 28, there have been 707 new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto – a daily average of 236 new cases. Since the start of the pandemic there have been a total of 166,928 cases of COVID-19. There are 846 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 3,382 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 159,377 people have recovered. Case status data can be found on Toronto Public Health’s reporting dashboard.
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 worked to add 10,000 new appointments this week to help seniors 80 and older who want to book an earlier second dose appointment. We are doing everything we can as a City government to get all residents vaccinated and to make sure everyone gets their second dose starting with our oldest residents. The sooner we are all vaccinated, the sooner this pandemic will be over so please don’t hesitate to get your second dose when you’re eligible.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Getting vulnerable Torontonians fully vaccinated as soon as possible is one of our Team Toronto top priorities. By opening up additional new appointments for seniors age 80 and over at our City-run immunization clinics, we’re scaling up to get our elder residents fully protected – with two doses of vaccine – from COVID-19. I want to thank all residents who getting their shots and helping to keep themselves, their loved ones, and our city safe.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“We know that elders in our community experience more severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated, and to provide the greatest vaccine protection possible, two doses are required. If you are over 80 years old, please move up your appointment today. If you have someone over 80 years old in your life, check in and see how you can support them.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health
“Adding more than 10,000 appointments in city-operated COVID-19 vaccine clinics this week, makes it possible for those 80 years of age and older to receive their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier than originally scheduled. This is an important step in helping us put COVID-19 behind us once and for all. I encourage eligible residents to take advantage of the accelerated second dose availability.”
– 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.