Ontarians 75 years and up to be eligible for vaccines Monday

The province is expanding its vaccine rollout Monday to include more residents.

As of March 22, residents 75 years and older will be eligible to book vaccine appointments through the provincial portal, almost a month before schedule.

The rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine is also being expanded starting Monday. Select Ontario pharmacies and primary care offices will begin giving appointments to residents 60 years and up for the vaccine.

Currently, in Hamilton, seniors 80 years and up are able to book their appointments through the provincial portal. Limited residents aged 60 to 64 are eligible for the AstraZeneca shot - booked directly by their primary care physicians - because a national panel of experts recommended the vaccine not be used in an older age group.

That recommendation was updated on March 16 by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization which now deems the vaccine safe for those 65 years and older.

Originally, the province planned to offer vaccines to residents 75 years and older starting April 15.

It's unclear when and how the changes will be rolled out in Hamilton. The Spectator is reaching out to public health for comment.

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.