More risk groups, essential works can book vaccinations Tuesday, 40-and-up on Thursday

OTTAWA – The province is opening up COVID-19 vaccinations so more risk groups and essential workers can start booking vaccine appointments tomorrow (May 11) and adults 40 and older on Thursday (May 13).

Individuals whose health is designated at risk by the Province of Ontario

“Beginning Tuesday, May 11, individuals designated as at risk by the Province of Ontario may book vaccine appointments through the provincial booking system,” City of Ottawa staff released in a statement today (May 10).

At risk individuals include people who suffer from:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Respiratory diseases
• Immunocompromising health conditions

For a complete list of this group visit: covid-19.ontario.ca.

More essential workers are eligible

Also beginning Tuesday, essential workers designated as second group by the Province of Ontario may now book vaccine appointments through the provincial booking system. Second group essential workers include:

• Retail workers, including grocery, restaurants and pharmacy
• Social workers
• Courts and justice system workers
• Transportation workers
• Waste management workers
• Water and wastewater management workers
• Veterinarians

For a complete list of this group visit: covid-19.ontario.ca.

Age limit for community clinics lowered to 40

Beginning Thursday, May 13 at 8 a.m., all Ottawa residents aged 40 and older (born in or before 1981) can begin booking appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at community clinics.

Visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine to access the provincial booking system or call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week. Only book or call if you are eligible. 

Accessibility at clinics

“All clinic sites are accessible,” staff said. “If you require specific accommodations, please fill out the disability related accommodations request form at least 48 hours in advance to ensure your needs are met.”

If you need assistance completing the form, contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-691-5505.

For more information on what accessibility accommodations are available at the clinics or to access the form, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca.

Walk-ins will not be accepted at community clinics

• This includes walk-ins at the end of the day
• Book your appointment in advance
• Remaining doses at the end of the day will be administered to pre-booked or pre-registered individuals.

Details coming soon about second doses for high-risk health care workers

“The Province of Ontario has announced that high-risk health care workers will be eligible to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier than the extended four-month interval,” staff said. “The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health currently have no information about how this group can book their vaccine appointments for second doses, but will announce those details as soon as they are known.” 

High-risk health care workers include:

• Hospital and acute care staff in frontline roles with COVID-19 patients
• Medical first responders
• Home and community health care workers
• Long-term care home and retirement home health care workers
• For a complete list of this group visit: covid-19.ontario.ca.

For more information

Visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth.ca for more information about Ottawa’s vaccine distribution plan including information about:

• “Hot spot” communities
• First Nation, Métis and Inuit populations
• Pharmacies
• Second doses
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Health cards

Sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination update e-subscription for regular news on the vaccine roll-out.

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401).