Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 15, 2021
Beginning today, individuals aged 80 and older can book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination at ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Online booking is encouraged. If you are unable to book online for yourself, please ask a friend or family member to book on your behalf. You will require your photo ID health card number.
As booking is being managed directly by the province, those who are unable to book online are advised to contact the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-888-999-6488. The Booking Line is available 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday-Sunday. Individuals who do not have a photo ID health card will be required to book by phone.
We understand that individuals across the province are eager to receive their vaccine. High traffic volumes are expected. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work with the province to fill available appointments in our region. Local clinics will continue until all those who want the vaccine have received it. You can be reassured that will not miss your chance for an appointment.
If You Have Already Received Your First Dose
At this time, the provincial system requires the first and second dose to be booked at the same time. If you have already received your first dose through your health care provider or by a direct invitation from HPEPH, DO NOT book your second dose through the link listed above.
You will be contacted when it is time to book your second dose appointment. In response to national and provincial recommendations, HPEPH will be providing the second dose approximately 16 weeks after the first dose. Please DO NOT call HPEPH or your health care provider to book your second dose appointment. You will be contacted to book your second dose at the appropriate time.
If You Are a High Priority Health Care Worker
High priority* health care workers are now eligible to book vaccination appointments at Quinte Health Care (QHC) on the QHC vaccination booking page. High priority health care workers include:
- Community care with lower risk of exposure and serving special populations (developmental services, mental health and addictions services).
- Community care with lower risk of exposure and serving general population (Campus health, Community diagnostic imaging, Daycare/school nursing, Dietary / nutrition, Independent health facilities (e.g., Opticians/Optometry, Podiatry, Audiology, medical and surgical specialties), Naturopathy / Holistic care, Social work, Sexual health clinics).
- Non-acute rehabilitation and therapy (Chiropractic, Chronic pain clinics, Kinesiology, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Registered massage therapy / Acupuncture, Other therapy).
- Public health (all other public health).
Highest* and Very High* Priority health care workers can also continue to book vaccination appointments through QHC. The provincial booking site is not accepting appointments for these groups at the current time. HPEPH continues to be grateful for the partnership and support of QHC and other community partners throughout the region who are contributing to this once in a lifetime vaccination effort. It is important to note that vaccination clinics at QHC are only for health care workers who meet the definitions above. Individuals over the age of 80 must book through the provincial website or phone line and will not be booked through QHC.
*In alignment with the definition of Health Care Worker that has been provided by the province, where a health sector has been named in the priority sector, all workers in that sector are included (e.g., including custodial, security and reception staff). Where a non-health setting has been named, only workers providing a health service or direct patient care are included.
If You are Not Yet Eligible
Thank you for your patience as efforts continue to vaccinate those at highest risk. If you are not yet eligible and belong to a Phase 1 or 2 priority group, you may be able to register for notification when your group becomes eligible. For registration forms and other information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines/.
Please do not call HPEPH if you are not in one of the groups eligible for vaccination at this time. Inquiries from individuals who are not yet eligible are limiting public health efforts to deliver vaccine to those at highest risk.
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Media contacts
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
