Pregnant women can now book their COVID shots

Pregnant women are now eligible for a COVID vaccine.

In a release Friday morning, the province announced that in light of emerging data" on the higher risk of severe illness for pregnant individuals infected by COVID-19, this group is now part of the highest-risk health conditions in Phase 2 of the vaccine plan.

Starting now, pregnant women of any age can get an appointment by phoning the provincial call centre at 1-888-999-6488.

Ontario's prioritization guidance and website will be updated to show the change, but the province says it's effective immediately.

More to come ...

Maria Iqbal's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com.