Starting this morning at 8 a.m., more than 100,000 appointments will be available on the provincial booking system for eligible Toronto residents to book their third doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents are eligible for the third dose if they are at least 50 years old, and approximately six months (or 168 days) have passed since they received their second dose. Appointments can be booked by visiting the City’s COVID-19 webpage and clicking the blue button or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900. For more information and to book
In addition to City-run clinics, eligible Torontonians can also get their third dose at more than 450 local pharmacies, many doctors’ offices and at other Team Toronto healthcare partner clinics. Toronto Public Health (TPH) estimates that approximately 515,000 residents in Toronto are eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Further information about eligibility is available here
Vaccination appointments generally take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. City-run clinics are easily accessible by transit and offer free parking on site. Clinic staff are also able to provide resources in multiple languages. A person with a vaccination appointment can also bring a support person to help with translation. More information on City-operated immunization clinic transportation options and on-site amenities is available on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage
Team Toronto continues to connect residents with opportunities and resources to encourage vaccination. As part of the VaxTO campaign, approximately 73,000 texts and voice messages will be sent out today to encourage eligible residents to book their third-dose appointment. The campaign also continues to reach out to all eligible first-dose recipients to encourage them to complete their vaccination series by getting their second dose.
Given the emergence of the new Omicron variant and ongoing community transmission of the Delta variant, TPH urges eligible residents to book their third-dose appointment as soon as possible, to ensure they have an extra layer of protection as people seek to reconnect over the holidays. Residents who have not yet gotten their first or second COVID-19 vaccine shot are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The vaccine has been scientifically proven to lower the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death, while protecting oneself, loved ones and the community from getting sick.
TPH is reminding residents to continue to follow public health measures such as mask wearing, good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Residents are urged to keep their in-person social circle small and limited to vaccinated individuals as much as possible. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19, are asked to stay at home and get tested.
Quotes:
“We are opening up 100,000 vaccine appointments and reaching out to 73,000 eligible residents to help people get their booster doses. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and Team Toronto is working to make sure people have access to third doses and know they are eligible. Please get your booster dose as soon as you can so we can continue to make progress bringing this pandemic to an end.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Vaccines are safe and effective. I want to encourage all Torontonians to get their third dose as soon as they are eligible. At the City of Toronto, we will continue to do everything – from opening up 100,000 new appointments to directly contacting 73,000 eligible residents — to help protect our city.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“The Team Toronto vaccination campaign continues with more than 100,000 appointments opening up to 515,000 residents who are now eligible for the third dose. As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, we are encouraging all eligible residents to book their vaccination appointment to get their third dose as soon as possible. The vaccine is the best defence against COVID-19 and will protect you, your loved ones and the community as people seek to reconnect over the holidays.”
– Dr. Na-koshie Lamptey, Acting Medical Officer of Health
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 contact: Toronto Public Health Media Relations, tphmedia@toronto.ca