Halton Residents 80+ Can Reschedule 2nd Dose Appointments at Shorter Interval Starting June 2

COVID-19
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*Please see below a news release issued by the Region of Halton.The Regional Municipality of HaltonFor Immediate ReleaseMay 29, 2021Further to the Province’s announcement to accelerate the rollout of second dose appointments, starting Wednesday, June 2 Halton residents 80 years of age and older will have the option to reschedule their second dose appointment at a shortened interval through Halton Region’s online booking system.

"We are pleased to offer earlier second dose appointments for residents 80+, based on expected supply. We continue to make great progress and have already vaccinated over 60 per cent of our community with the first dose. While we look forward to offering earlier second dose appointments to more groups, our ability to do so remains dependent on vaccine supply from the Provincial and Federal Governments. We have the capacity to increase what we are doing now and are ready to get more people vaccinated with first and second doses as we receive more vaccines." -- Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr

Information on when additional groups will be eligible to reschedule second dose appointments, as directed by the Province, will be announced as vaccine supplies are confirmed.The fastest and easiest way to reschedule second dose appointments is though Halton’s online booking system. Halton Region is asking residents to reach out to anyone 80 years of age or older who may require support rescheduling their appointment online, such as a family member, neighbour or friend. Residents who require additional support with rescheduling can also call 311 for assistance.

"Accelerating second doses for those 80 years of age and older will help to further prevent severe illness and provide greater protection to those most at risk in our community. Thank you everyone for your patience and I encourage each eligible resident get your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s your turn. The more people we get vaccinated each and every day brings us closer to returning to normal." -- Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health

As the vaccine rollout progresses, Halton Region Public Health is reminding all residents to continue to adhere to public health measures, regardless of vaccination status. This includes staying home as much possible, only going out for essential reasons and avoiding social gatherings. When out in public for essential reasons (getting groceries or medicine, attending medical appointments or work) or enjoying outdoor activities and exercise, residents are reminded to wear a mask and keep a two-metre distance from anyone outside their households.Important information & instructions:

  • Starting Wednesday, June 2, Halton residents 80 years of age and older will have the option to receive their second COVID-19 vaccine dose at a shortened interval. Eligible residents, or someone on their behalf, can reschedule their second dose appointment through Halton’s online booking system.
    • While booking online is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, residents who require booking support can also call 311. Residents who are not currently eligible for a shortened second dose interval, are asked to avoid calling 311 to ensure eligible residents have access.
    • Residents can choose to keep their originally scheduled second dose appointment if they wish; the appointment will only be changed if they choose to reschedule their existing appointment.
    • Halton Region continues to offer accessibility, accommodations and language supports at the clinics and transportation services to and from appointments for residents who require support, free of charge.
  • Starting Monday, May 31 youth 12 to 17 year of age who live or attend school in Halton will be able to book their vaccination appointments through Halton’s online booking system.
  • Eligible residents can book appointments at any one of Halton’s seven COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics located in Burlington (including Joseph Brant Hospital), Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville (including Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital). Parking is free at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Joseph Brant Hospital for those with scheduled appointments at these clinics.
  • Bookings for Halton residents are not available through the Provincial booking system; residents who access the Provincial booking system will be redirected back to Halton’s system.
  • There are currently multiple pharmacies in Halton offering the Pfizer vaccine to residents 12+ or the Moderna vaccine to residents 18+. Appointments are booked directly with the pharmacy. To find a participating pharmacy, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
  • Residents who have already scheduled appointments through Halton Region can verify, reschedule and cancel their first and/or second dose appointments through Halton’s online booking system.
  • Residents are encouraged to get their second dose at the same location as their first; however, if this is not possible, single second dose appointments can be booked through our online system to receive the second dose at one of our clinics.
  • Eligible residents have the option to book same-day (“last minute”) vaccine appointments through our online booking system. These appointments will become available when there are last minute cancellations at a vaccination clinic, and can only be used for first dose appointments. This option is only available to those who are currently eligible and residents must arrive at the selected clinic within 30 minutes of booking.
  • Residents are asked to attend their appointments alone if possible in order to limit the amount of individuals in our clinics and maintain adequate physical distancing. You may bring one support person, if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter).
  • To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier) and remember to wear a non-medical mask.

To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including who is currently eligible and how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines—PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page — bit.ly/COVID19BurlingtonFAQ that are updated as new information becomes available.A consolidated page for information and updates on the work of the provincial Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force is available at bit.ly/COVIDVaccineUpdates.Halton Region has also created a dedicated COVID-19 Vaccine webpage at halton.ca/covidvaccines for up to date information on the status of our COVID19 vaccination program.A Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency — updates will be provided at burlington.ca/COVID19taskforce.To report an incident of non-compliance with provincial emergency orders, please contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.We’ve also created a dedicated page to feature the local organizations and businesses that have inspired us during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking action to support our community in new and creative ways — head to bit.ly/covidwallofinspiration.HELPFUL RESOURCES & RELATED LINKS:

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist

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