Hamilton expects to open COVID vaccine bookings to more groups next week

Hamiltonians at least 50 years old, all adults in the city's hot spots and more vulnerable groups are expected to be able to book their COVID vaccines in the coming week.

Public health confirmed Friday that the city expects to open up" bookings for eligible groups the week of May 3.

Per Ontario's accelerated plan announced Thursday, that would include:

• Anyone 50 years and older (born in 1971 or earlier) regardless of postal code;

• Anyone 18 years and older (born in 2003 or earlier) in the L9C, L8W, L8L, L8N and L9K postal codes;

• People with high risk" health conditions - including patients with a body mass index over 40, those receiving treatments that suppress the immune system (e.g. chemotherapy) and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (e.g. Down Syndrome);

• Up to one essential caregiver for the previous group;

• The first group of people who can't work from home, which includes workers in: elementary and secondary schools; child care; police; fire; children's aid; critical infrastructure restoration; critical event response; enforcement, inspection and compliance; foster care agency; food manufacturing and distribution; agriculture and farm and funeral, crematorium and cemetery.

Details on booking will be provided once available.

While Ontario's timeline anticipates opening vaccines to more groups throughout May, Hamilton said it will be further evaluated" before each expansion, based on vaccine supply.

Public Health Services is committed to continuing to provide regular updates to the community, pending provincial direction for each population," said spokesperson James Berry in an email.

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.