News Release
June 16, 2021

The City of Toronto continues to help people without an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card get a COVID-19 vaccine in Toronto through agency partners Access Alliance, FCJ Refugee Centre, Adam House, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, Matthew House, Romero House and Sojourn House.

Residents without OHIP cards who meet the current eligibility for accelerated second doses, https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-how-to-get-vaccinated/?accordion=booking-your-second-dose, including those who are 70+ years of age, or received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on May 9 or earlier, as well as anyone who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine more than eight weeks ago, can request assistance booking their accelerated second dose appointment at a City-operated immunization clinic by contacting the following three intake partners:

Access Alliance

  • Telephone: 416-760-8677
    • Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday: 1 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Thursday: 12:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Phone interpretation services are available as needed.

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

  • Telephone: 416-306-4319
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Phone interpretation services are available as needed.

FCJ Refugee Centre

  • Telephone: 416-469-9754 ext. 230 and 232; WhatsApp: 437-217-3786
    • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Email: vaccine@fcjrefugeecentre.org
  • Phone interpretation services are available as needed.

Adam House, Matthew House, Romero House and Sojourn House will provide booking support to their clients and as required, will also help assist people who call through the three intake partners.

In addition, eligible residents who received a first dose of Pfizer, Moderna or an AstraZeneca vaccine at a pharmacy, hospital, or pop-up clinic can also request assistance booking an accelerated second dose at a City-operated immunization clinic. People who are not currently eligible for an accelerated second dose appointment may request this rebooking support when they become eligible.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is currently working on a process, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s guidance for individuals who have received a partial or complete COVID-19 vaccine series outside of Ontario, to have their COVID-19 immunization record entered into the provincial system. Through this process, people eligible for a second dose, including residents without an OHIP card, will also be able to book a vaccination appointment. While TPH works on a process to document past COVID-19 vaccine doses outside the province, residents are asked to ensure they have proof of their COVID-19 immunization record. COVID-19 immunization records can be obtained by contacting the location that administered the previous dose(s) to request a copy.

As part of the commitment to serve all residents, personal information collected when making a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is kept to the minimum as required by the provincial booking system and does not include a home address. The safe administration of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program requires the creation of a health record that includes a person’s full name, age, gender and either a phone number or email address. Personal health information cannot be used for other purposes without the person’s consent, except as required by law in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act.

Quotes

“We are working with our community and healthcare partners to make sure everyone who calls Toronto home is vaccinated. We need all residents to get vaccinated to help protect everyone in our city and truly bring this pandemic to an end. Please get your first dose and please get your second dose to protect yourself, your family and our city’s progress fighting COVID-19.”

– Mayor John Tory

“Vaccinating Toronto residents is truly a team effort. With the Province’s expansion of second dose eligibility, supporting vaccination efforts of every eligible resident – regardless of their immigration status – becomes a crucial element in getting us out of this pandemic. Thank you to our agency partners as we work together to support an equitable process that ensures all those who want a vaccine, can get one.”

– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“It is now more important than ever that we continue to stand in solidarity with all Torontonians. Through an integrated approach, our community partners are ready and eager to support all people without OHIP to have equitable access to both the first and second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. By working together, we will ensure that all people, regardless of immigration status, are given the chance to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”

– Francisco Rico-Martinez, Co-Director, FCJ Refugee Centre

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.

Toronto Public Health Media Relations