York Region’s vaccinations to require online appointments, details ‘currently being finalized’

Those who aren’t computer savvy will be accommodated

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 24, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

An online booking system is in the works to support the next phase of Ontario's vaccine rollout, according to Patrick Casey, director of corporate communications for York Region, noting further details are expected in the coming weeks.

York region is still in Phase 1 of the province's three-phased vaccine distribution plan. The first phase started last December and runs until the end of March.

The second phase, starting from April through the end of July, will include deliveries to about 369,000 essential workers, 157,000 adults aged 60-plus, 321,000 people in at-risk populations, and 66,000 adults between the ages of 16 to 60.

“York region’s COVID-19 immunization clinics will require an appointment,” Casey said. “The appointment booking details are currently being finalized.”

Those who are unable to book online will be accommodated, too.

“As a client booking system is a critical next step, we continue to explore made-in-York region solutions to prepare for all situations --including support for residents who are unable to book through an online tool,” said Casey.

To meet the federal government’s target, York Region aims to have 75 per cent of its 1.2-million population vaccinated by September.

More information will be released as it becomes available at york.ca/covid19vaccine.

COMMUNICATION PLAN IN THE WORKS TOO

During a York Region meeting on Feb. 18, public health unveiled its preliminary plan for the region’s vaccination rollout. The region is aiming for a benchmark of 10,000 daily doses delivered across seven centres, starting in March.

At the time, Mario Ferri, Vaughan’s deputy mayor, inquired about how the communication plan on the vaccination rollout will unfold in York Region, describing “growing anxiety” among residents.

“What can I tell my constituents in terms of where to look for those who live in the community? How will they know when they can proceed to get the vaccination,” he continued.

“The communications are still being worked out both through our task force as well as we have corporate communication,” York Region's medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, answered.

“In general terms, we will be using a variety of different approaches. One would be a website, but we are cognizant of the fact that --you know --not everybody is necessarily literate with respect to the use of computers, and there are communications through the professional associations. And there will be media coverage as well.”