News Release
January 6, 2022

Today, the City of Toronto, in partnership with Michael Garron Hospital, will begin administering a fourth-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 145 eligible residents at True Davidson Acres, a City directly-operated long-term care (LTC) home.

This week, clinics have been scheduled for residents in five other City-operated LTC homes (Castleview Wychwood Towers, Fudger House, Kipling Acres, Wesburn Manor and Seven Oaks). It is anticipated that clinics at the remaining four LTC homes (Bendale Acres, Carefree Lodge, Cummer Lodge and Lakeshore Lodge) will be scheduled over the coming days.

With the Province of Ontario’s announcement making a fourth dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available to LTC residents three months after their third shot, there are more than 1,800 residents in the City’s 10 LTC homes who are eligible for a fourth dose.

In addition to providing vaccination opportunities for residents, the City’s Senior Services and Long-Term Care (SSLTC) division remains focused on strong infection, prevention and control (IPAC) practices.

Throughout the City’s 10 directly-operated LTC homes, residents, essential caregivers and staff are screened daily and tested regularly. Everyone entering a long-term care home must be vaccinated and there is strict adherence to good hand hygiene, masking protocols and use of required PPE. Residents and staff members are cohorted, which allows for safe social interaction and reduced isolation during this time when there are no general visitors.

Since December 30, entry into the long-term care homes by general visitors has been paused, including for outdoor visits. General visitors continue to be permitted to enter LTC homes to visit residents receiving end of life care. Visit the City’s website for the latest on accessing City of Toronto LTC homes.

To date, 92 per cent of residents in the City’s 10 directly-operated LTC homes who are eligible for three doses, have received them.

Quotes:

“With this highly transmissible variant of COVID-19, it’s imperative that the City does what it can to help protect the residents in our long-term care homes as much as possible. We are working at wartime speed to deliver a fourth dose of the vaccine for LTC residents in conjunction with the health and safety measures implemented by City staff.”
– Mayor John Tory

“Extraordinary steps continue to be taken to ensure the health and safety of people living and working in long term care homes in Toronto. The virus is moving quickly and so are fourth dose vaccine rollout efforts in City-owned long-term care homes. The fight against Omicron is real and the City’s commitment to protecting Toronto’s most vulnerable populations has not waivered.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

“Vaccines protect everyone – especially the most vulnerable members of our community living in long term care homes. The tireless work happening by City staff and health partners to plan and administer fourth dose vaccines will ensure loved ones receiving care in long term care homes are protected and frontline workers in those homes are safer. Thank you to Michael Garron Hospital and all of our health partners for their on-going commitment and support in keeping Torontonians safe.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health

“Protecting long-term care residents with four doses of COVID-19 vaccine is a key defence for this vulnerable population. Vaccination, along with all of the measures of self-protection in this environment, will help decrease severe outcomes and illness for our seniors and elders.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“With the exponential rise of the Omicron variant in our communities, the safety of long-term care home residents is a top priority. Michael Garron Hospital is proud to continue its community COVID-19 vaccination strategy and began administering fourth doses to long-term care residents in East Toronto last week. This is an important step in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and will provide residents with increased protection against the Omicron variant and will further protect the staff, caregivers and support workers who provide care to the individuals living in these homes.”
– Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Michael Garron Hospital

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