Hamiltonians aged 50-plus, high-risk health conditions and some essential workers can book COVID shots Thursday
Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine portal is set to open to more groups on Thursday.
Hamiltonians aged 50 and up, people with high-risk health conditions and the first group" of those who can't work from home will be able to book appointments.
That includes: people with a body mass index greater than 40, those using treatments that cause immunosuppression (e.g. chemotherapy, immunity-weakening medications) and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Up to one essential caregiver for those in this group requiring regular and sustained" help with personal care or daily living can also receive the shot.
The first group" of workers who will be eligible include those in elementary and secondary schools, emergency response, enforcement and inspection, licensed child-care facilities, foster care, food manufacturing and distribution, farms and agriculture, and funeral, crematoriums and cemeteries.
To book, visit Ontario's portal at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or call the provincial call centre at 1-888-999-6488. Those without internet or a valid Ontario photo health card can call the city hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7.
The city encourages anyone who can book online to do so, saying it's the fastest option.
On Wednesday, Hamilton also announced a new pop-up clinic for Indigenous adults:
- Perkins Centre at 1429 Main St. E., Hamilton, on May 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Indigenous Hamiltonians who are at least 18 years old (born in 2003 or earlier) can book an appointment by calling the city hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7. The clinic is only for first doses, says a city release. Indigenous adults can receive their second dose 21 to 28 days after the first.
Public health asks callers to be patient and call again if lines are busy.
Public health is working with De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and Niwasa to hold the clinic.
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.