Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/May 28, 2021 – Earlier today the Ontario government announced the acceleration of second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments. In addition to those already eligible for an accelerated second dose, starting Monday individuals aged 80+ can begin booking or rebooking second dose appointments using the provincial booking system – subject to appointment availability. Individuals 70 and older can book or rebook an accelerated appointment starting Monday, June 14.
Residents who qualify for an accelerated second dose are asked to please be patient while HPEPH continues efforts to offer vaccines to everyone who is eligible. Being eligible does not mean an earlier second dose appointment will be available right away. Many individuals in our region are still waiting for their first dose and HPEPH will work to offer accelerated second doses to those who are eligible, while also ensuring appointments are available for those who need a first dose.
“While it is encouraging that the province is increasing eligibility for accelerated second doses, please remember we can only administer the number vaccines we receive and it may still take some time to offer earlier doses to those who are eligible,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “Vaccine allocation remains limited in our region and we are committed to honouring existing appointments and making first doses available, while working to offer earlier second dose appointments when possible.”
How to book
Beginning on Monday, May 31, individuals 80 and older will be able to rebook an accelerated second dose appointment online at ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday-Sunday. As booking is managed by the province, please do not contact HPEPH to book an appointment.
HPEPH recognizes that some individuals who received vaccine early in the rollout did not book through the provincial system and do not yet have a second dose appointment. The province has advised that individuals who received their first dose through pharmacies, pop up clinics, and other avenues will also be able to book a second dose appointment through the provincial system, when their age groups becomes available. However, due to limited appointments HPEPH is committed to ensuring these individuals have adequate opportunity to book their second dose. Individuals in this situation will be contacted by HPEPH next week with additional information about opportunities to book a second dose appointment.
While you are waiting for your appointment
We will continue our efforts to vaccinate all those who are eligible. In the meantime, please continue to follow all public health precautions such as leaving home only for essential reasons, limiting close contact to those within your household, wearing a face covering when distancing is not possible, and washing your hands frequently. If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, isolate from others and get tested.
Please visit our website and follow us on social media for updated information on everything related to vaccines, including groups that are currently eligible. Thank you again to our community for your patience and enthusiasm as we work diligently to offer vaccines to all our valued residents.
-30-
Media contacts
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
