What you need to know about booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in York Region

Thestar.com
May 6, 2021
Kim Zarzour

York Region residents aged 50 and older, those 18 and older living in 16 hot spots, and people who cannot work from home (as identified under the Ontario protocols) are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Residents born in 2003 or earlier, living or working in the following identified high priority communities in York Region are eligible as of May 5: Vaughan postal codes: L0J, L3L, L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A; Markham postal codes: L3T, L6B, L6C, L6E, L3S; Richmond Hill postal codes: L4B, L4C, L4E and East Gwillimbury postal code: L9N.

Those who fall under Group 1 of the province's priority list include school workers (including educators, custodial, school bus drivers, administrative staff) and food manufacturing and distribution workers For a full list, visit COVID-19.ontario.ca

The new groups are in addition to already eligible individuals such as residents with high and highest risk health conditions and one essential caregiver, pregnant women, licensed child care staff and special education staff who live or work in York Region. (Documentation showing proof of workplace at time of appointment is required.)

Health care workers in the province's high, very high and highest priority groups who live or work in York Region and staff, essential caregivers and residents of congregate care (e.g. long-term residences) also continue to be eligible.

To book an appointment, visit York Region Public Health booking portal at york.ca/covid19

More groups eligible for vaccines -- including hot spots for younger age groups -- can be found here.

Information to help you prepare for your appointment is available at york.ca/covid19vaccinebeforeyougo

Select pharmacies and primary care settings are booking appointments for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for eligible people ages 40 or older.

You must have a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card, or other form of valid government-issued identification and have an appointment to get vaccinated at a participating pharmacy.

To book an appointment at a pharmacy closest to you, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

As case numbers continue to rise York Region public health reminds residents the best vaccine is the first one offered to you. Everyone is encouraged to take whichever vaccine is available as soon as possible.

"As a result of no-shows and/or cancelled appointments, additional vaccine supply may become available and a small number of appointments may appear through the online booking systems. Residents are encouraged to check back often for appointments that may become available," said York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

Residents are asked to check the region's website often and be patient as interest is expected to be high and the system was not designed for large volumes.

The region continues to experience a serious reduction in vaccine supply and will offer additional appointments as vaccine becomes available.

In order to ensure as many vaccines get into as many arms as possible, residents are asked to book only one appointment per person and to cancel any appointments they are not going to use.

The number of York Region residents who have been vaccinated is slowly increasing. As of Apr. 30, about 40 per cent of adults living in the region have received at least one dose.

Approximately 90 per cent of those 75 years and older have had at least one dose, more than 80 per cent of those 70-74 have had one dose, 75 per cent of those 65 to 69, 65 per cent of those 60 to 64, 45 per cent of those 55 to 59, 40 per cent of those 50 to 54, and 35 per cent of those 45 to 49 years of age.

Even after you have been vaccinated, health experts advise you to continue following public health safety measures (physical distancing, wear a mask and wash hands frequently.) While the vaccine is very effective at preventing infection or serious illness, there is still a chance you can contract the virus and it's not clear if you can transmit it.

The region was able to get a two-week head start on the rest of the province that opened its online booking portal and call centre Mar. 15.

“This is a very positive step forward," said Dr. Karim Kurji, York's medical officer of health. "We are moving aggressively to vaccinate as many as possible within the province’s identified priority populations as vaccine supply becomes available. We are being as nimble as we can using different delivery models depending on the supplies of vaccines and the groups we need to immunize.”

The region is still considering moving to the provincial booking portal and customer service line, said spokesperson Patrick Casey.

Residents will be given options for scheduling appointments as soon as they begin the booking process.

Residents who are not able or comfortable booking an online appointment are encouraged to seek out a support person (caregiver, family member or friend) who can assist in booking this appointment on their behalf. Neighbours who know of seniors who might need help are urged to reach out, too.

There is a limited phone call centre available on the website to assist those who need help booking.

Those who require transportation assistance for vaccine appointments can contact YRT Mobility On-Request at 1-866-744-1119 to arrange a ride.

Translation services are available if needed.

Residents who are homebound and cannot attend a clinic may be assisted through the region's mobile outreach teams.

Another option for these individuals may be the drive-thru sites at Canada’s Wonderland or Soccer City in Stouffville.

Additional transportation services are offered by CHATS, CareFirst, Routes, Pinkcars.ca.

For a complete list of community transportation options, call 211 or visit 211central.ca

Walk-in appointments are not available and residents who visit a vaccination clinic without an appointment will be turned away.

For questions about eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, call Access York at 1-877-464-9675