Ottawa vaccine appointments available again

 OTTAWA – New doses are here and the City of Ottawa is again in the COVID-19 vaccination business.

“The City of Ottawa has confirmed delivery of additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is able to offer more appointments to eligible residents starting today (April 2),” City of Ottawa staff released in a statement yesterday (April 3).” Appointments are currently available to residents age 70 and over (born in or before 1951).”

Two weeks of appointments will be available at the city’s community clinics between April 8 and April 21. 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. 

Appointments will be available at four community vaccination clinics: 

• Nepean Sportsplex
• Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA
• Eva James Memorial Community Centre
• City Hall

“When you book your appointments through the provincial booking system, you will receive a confirmation code,” staff said. “Please bring this code with you when you go to your appointments. If you do not have a confirmation code, your appointments were not successfully completed. Please revisit the provincial booking system or call 1-833-943-3900 to book your appointments and receive your confirmation code.”

Residents age 70 or over (born in or before 1951) who live in one of the previously identified high-priority neighbourhoods or clients or members of The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre age 70 or over (born in or before 1951) are able to book an appointment at a pop-up clinic starting April 2. Please call 613-691-5505 to verify your eligibility and book an appointment. Pop-up clinics will be available at:

• The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre
• Adult recipients of chronic home health care

If you are an adult recipient of chronic home health care living anywhere in the City of Ottawa, you can book an appointment at any of the City’s COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinics. Call 613-691-5505 to confirm your eligibility and book an appointment.

“To enable physical distancing and to reduce the number of people in the clinic, please arrive for your vaccine no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time,” staff said.

“The Province of Ontario has announced pharmacies in Ottawa will provide AstraZeneca vaccinations to residents of Ottawa age 55 and older,” city staff said. “These vaccinations are separate from Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and the City of Ottawa’s vaccination roll-out. Please call the participating pharmacies directly to book or visit them on their websites. Call the Province of Ontario Vaccination Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) if you have questions on the pharmacy vaccination program.”

Walk-ins will not be accepted at any location. Please book your individual appointment in advance.

“This includes walk-ins at the end of the day,” staff said. “Any remaining doses at the end of the day will be administered to eligible health care workers who have indicated they are available for a last-minute appointment.”

As per provincial guidelines, currently Ottawa Public Health is only booking second doses for First Nation, Inuit and Métis community members. 

“All other individuals who have received their first dose at an OPH clinic and are waiting for their second dose are encouraged to sign-up for the city’s e-newsletter and follow local news sources for more information,” staff said. “When second dose appointments are available the city will communicate to the public. Please do not call OPH at this time to try book a second appointment.”

More second dose details are available at OttawaPublicHealth.ca.

Residents are encouraged to assist eligible neighbours and loved ones to book their vaccine appointment if they need support and they consent. For more information on what you need to know to assist someone to book their appointment, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca for more information.

The Government of Ontario document “What you need to know about your COVID-19 vaccine appointment” (PDF) lets you know what to prepare for your vaccination.

Accommodations will be made for residents who need help with accessibility and all clinic locations are accessible. Para Transpo users can book a ride to the clinic through the COVID-19 Vaccination Trip Reservation line at 613-842-3600. If Para Transpo is not available to you, you can request a ride to and from the clinic through Ottawa Community Transportation after you have booked your appointment. If you do not have online access, please contact 211. Residents must have their vaccine booking confirmation number when requesting transportation.

“Residents of all ages who are not yet eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to follow announcements on the City of Ottawa and OPH websites and social media channels, and from your local news media to learn when they can receive their vaccine,” staff said. “They can also sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination update e-subscription for regular news on the vaccine roll-out.”

Visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth.ca  for more information on Ottawa’s vaccination distribution plan.