Ontario expects to begin vaccinating remainder of people 80 years and over by the third week of March
Today, the City of Ottawa announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available next week to Ottawa residents who are 80-years-old and older, or who are adult recipients of chronic home care living in neighbourhoods where rates of COVID-19 are highest.
The City says details of the pop-up vaccination clinic, including how to book and hours of operation, will be announced Monday, March 1.
Only residents who are 80 years old and older or who are adult recipients of chronic home care who live in the following communities will be able to receive a vaccine starting Friday, March 5:
- Emerald Woods
- Heatherington
- Ledbury
- Heron Gate
- Ridgemont
- Riverview
- Sawmill Creek
Due to the current limited supply of vaccine, those who are at the highest risk of catching COVID-19 are being vaccinated first. Rates of COVID-19 in the high-risk neighbourhoods are on average five times higher than in the rest of Ottawa. In some cases, they are 16 times higher. Risks for hospitalization and death are also higher. Limiting hospitalizations will help the whole community.
Pending vaccine availability, vaccinations will be rolled out to more high-risk neighbourhoods in the coming weeks. This information will be released weekly and promotion will be directed at residents in those neighbourhoods being served. Adult recipients of chronic home care will be contacted directly.
Meanwhile also today, retired General Rick Hillier, Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force revealed the proposed schedule for the provincewide COVID-19 vaccine roll-out beginning the third week of March. Hillier also said on March 15 Ontario will also be launching an online portal for booking appointments.
The next group to be vaccinated will be 80 years and older, and by July 1, the province expects to be vaccinating Ontarians 60 years and over.
Hillier said essential workers can expect to receive their shots starting the first week of May and that those who qualify as essential workers will soon be determined.
The proposed vaccination schedule for Ontario will look something like this all being well with continued supply of vaccines:
- April 15: vaccinations begin for people 75 years old and over.
- May 1: vaccinations begin for people 70 years old and over.
- June 1: vaccinations begin for people 65 years and over.
- July 1: vaccinations begin for people 60 years and over.
In line with Wednesday’s provincial announcement, the City of Ottawa said when there is an increase in vaccine supply, vaccinations will begin at community clinics for all other Ottawa residents who are over 80 years old or who are adult recipients of chronic home care. While Hillier confirmed today this is expected to take place the third week of March.
Once the COVID vaccine is more widely available, based on supply availability the city will begin opening 7 community vaccinations clinics in addition to its two hospital clinics.
The City of Ottawa says residents of all ages who are not yet eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to follow announcements on the City of Ottawa and OPH websites and social media channels, and from your local news media.
The province has yet to say when those under the age of 60 will be vaccinated.
Visit ottawa.ca for more information on the City’s vaccine distribution plan.
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
