Today, the City of Toronto announced more than 14,000 new COVID-19 vaccination opportunities will be available on New Year’s weekend.
These additional vaccination appointments, which will be available on the provincial booking system starting at 8 a.m. today, have been made possible due to additional days of operation and hours at City-run clinics through New Year’s weekend from January 1 to 3.
Team Toronto and Toronto Public Health (TPH) continue to work hard to provide opportunities for all residents to get their first, second or third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the holidays.
As of this week, residents 18 and older who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least three months (84 days) ago are eligible to book a third dose. The City encourages eligible residents to book appointments as soon as possible to receive their third dose by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). Learn more on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage.
In addition to these clinics, more than 515 pharmacies across Toronto are offering first, second and third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. For a full list of participating pharmacies visit the Ontario pharmacy map.
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.
Earlier this week, the City announced City-run clinics will be operating through the Christmas holidays so vaccination efforts could continue non-stop. For additional clinics and the most up-to-date information, check the City’s COVID-19: Where to Get Vaccinated webpage.
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 against COVID-19. Residents who have not yet received their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose are encouraged to do so. 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 working at war-time speed throughout the holidays to help people get their third COVID-19 vaccine dose. Thank you to all members of Team Toronto working on New Year’s weekend to help more than 14,000 more people get their booster dose as soon as possible. Thank you as well to everyone stepping up to get their first, second and third doses to better protect themselves, their loved ones, and the progress we have made as a city over the last 21 months confronting this pandemic.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Christmas Day, Boxing Day and now New Year’s Day. Our frontline heroes are again stepping up and working through the holidays to support Team Toronto ramping up our COVID-19 vaccine booster campaign. This is a wartime effort, and we won’t stop until everyone in our city has the chance to get vaccinated.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“Team Toronto continues to work hard to provide residents with opportunities to get their first, second or third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the holidays. Given the rapid growth in cases, we continue to urge all residents to get vaccinated with their first or second dose if they have not yet done so, and to book their third dose appointments if they are eligible. Thank you for doing your part to help protect each other and the city from COVID-19.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, 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.