Hamiltonians 80-plus can book earlier second dose of COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday

Starting Monday, Hamiltonians age 80 and up can book their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine sooner.

On May 31 at 8 a.m., anyone born in 1941 or earlier will be able to rebook their second-dose appointments earlier than the 16-week interval.

To change your appointment on Monday, visit ontario.ca/bookvaccine or phone the province at 1-833-943-3900.

Individuals can also get their second shots through local pharmacies. A list of locations is at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.

Residents without a green health card can phone the city at 905-974-9848, option 7.

Hamilton public health says residents can check their first dose receipt to ensure they book the same type of vaccine for the second dose. Mixing vaccines is not currently allowed.

Those who received their first dose at a pop-up clinic in Hamilton and have also have a second dose appointment at a pop-up clinic can choose to rebook their second dose at a mass clinic through the Ontario portal or by visiting a participating pharmacy. Or, those residents can keep their original second dose appointment. The Ontario portal will also allow individuals to book a second dose if they received their first dose without using the portal.

Those age 70-plus are set to be able to rebook their second doses the week of June 14. Other groups are expected to become eligible in the order they received their first doses.

Currently, health-care workers, including essential caregivers for residents of long-term care and retirement homes, dialysis patients, and all First Nations, Inuit and Metis residents are eligible for earlier second doses.

Maria Iqbal is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator covering aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com.