York Region expands COVID-19 vaccine to all hot spots for residents, workers aged 35+

As of Tuesday, May 4, appointments will be available for the 16 high-priority communities are in East Gwillimbury, Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 3, 2021

Individuals aged 35 and older who live or work in any of York Region's 16 COVID-19 hot spots -- located in East Gwillimbury, Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan -- will be eligible for vaccines as of Tuesday.

York Region is opening about 78,000 new vaccine appointments as of Tuesday, May 4 beginning at 8:30 a.m., according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

"At this time, due to a shortage in vaccine supply, York Region is not offering online booking for those  between the ages of 18 and 34 who live in high priority communities and residents age 50-59. However, beginning Monday, May 3, individuals ages 18+ in hot spots L0J, L3S, L3T, L4B, L4E, L4H, L4J, L4K,  L4L, L6A, L6B, L6C, L6E will be eligible to book a vaccine through the provincial booking system, as well as all  residents 50+ beginning Thursday, May 6," Casey stated.

In York Region, the only clinic using the provincial booking system is at the Cornell Community Centre in Markham.

Appointments for vaccines can be booked by visiting york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.

Individuals who work in York Region will require workplace identification at the time of their appointment, Casey said. More information to help you prepare for your appointment is available at here.

Under phase 2 of the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, vaccines are available to:

• UPDATED: Individuals age 35+ living or working (NEW) in the following identified high priority communities in York Region:
• Vaughan postal codes: L0J (NEW), L3L (NEW), L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A
• Markham postal codes: L3T (NEW), L6B (NEW), L6C (NEW), L6E (NEW), L3S
• Richmond Hill postal codes: L4B (NEW), L4C (NEW), L4E (NEW)
• East Gwillimbury postal code: L9N (NEW)
• UPDATED: Licensed child-care staff (NEW) and special education staff who live or work in York Region (appropriate documentation required)
• All York Region residents age 60+ (born in 1961 or earlier)
• Individuals (and one essential caregiver) with highest and high risk health conditions as identified in Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, including pregnant individuals
• Highest, very high and high priority health care workers as identified in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Work Prioritization who work or live in York Region
• Staff, essential caregivers and any residents that have not yet received a first dose in long-term care homes, retirement homes, congregate care settings for seniors and First Nations elder care homes
• Alternative level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home or other congregate care home for seniors
• Indigenous adults and members of their households
• Adults receiving home care services who live in York Region (appropriate documentation required) • Faith leaders who live or work in York Region and provide end of life care, care of the deceased, care of those who are unwell or provides pastoral services in vulnerable settings

York Region residents age 40+ can book a vaccination appointment at any participating pharmacy in the province or through select clinics in York Region.

Currently, more than 410,000 York Region eligible residents have received at least one dose, which is about 40 per cent of the region’s total eligible population.

York Region will continue to offer additional appointments and expand eligibility criteria as more vaccine becomes available, Casey said.

Given the expected high volume of web activity and telephone support, wait times may be longer than usual and services disruptions on york.ca may occur, he added.