'Good news': As young as 16 can book COVID-19 vaccines in York Region

51,000 appointments to open up beginning May 18.

Yorkreigon.com
May 18, 2021
Kim Zarzour

More than 50,000 new appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone 18 and older living or working in York Region.

The appointments can be booked beginning tomorrow, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. at York.ca/COVID19Vaccine or at any participating pharmacy in the province.

Anyone 18 or older (born in 2003 or earlier) can also booked via the provincial booking system and call centre beginning at 8 a.m. May 18.

The news follows an announcement from the provincial government to accelerate vaccine eligibility requirements for all Ontario residents.

An early delivery of vaccines the week of May 24 means 2.2 million doses are scheduled to arrive in Ontario ahead of schedule.

This week, the region is also hosting a pop-up clinic in Markham.

Residents living in postal codes L3S and L6G can book an appointment at the Islamic Society of Markham -- Markham Masjid, 2900 Denison St., by visiting MarkhamVaccinates.com

Younger residents will also be able to get Pfizer vaccines.

Those aged 16 and older who are health-care workers or cannot work from home (Group 1 and 2), or who are identified by the province as highest, high and at-risk, including pregnant individuals, are able to book vaccines.

Eligible high-risk health-care workers who have already received a first dose can book their second dose beginning May 18, too.

"This is good news and we encourage all residents to get vaccinated as soon as they can," said Dr. Richard Gould, York Region’s associate medical officer of health.

Residents are asked to be patient as high volumes are expected, which may lead to longer wait times on the booking web pages and telephone support, he said.

Because of no-shows and cancellations, additional vaccine supply may become available throughout the day and residents are encouraged to check back often.

As of May 17, more than 60 per cent of York Region residents have received at least one dose of vaccine and case counts are coming down, but Gould cautions not to let down your guard, especially as the warm weather and long weekend approach.

“Don’t let one weekend of fun undue many months of sacrifice and hard work.”

The provincial stay-at-home order remains in effect until at least June 2 and, even after vaccinating, you are still advised to follow safety precautions -- masking, distancing, handwashing -- for a while longer, Gould says.

Although the vaccine is very effective at preventing infection or serious illness approximately 14 days after your first dose, there's still a chance you can contract COVID-19, and it is currently unknown if you can transmit the virus after being immunized.