Second dose appointments for COVID-19 vaccine eagerly snapped up in York Region

Appointments for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in York Region were eagerly snapped up by seniors aged 80 and older when they first opened yesterday morning. 

"Appointment bookings went live at 8:30 a.m. and by 9 a.m., more than 10,000 appointments had been booked, of which 6,500 were by those 80 years of age and older booking a second dose appointment," said regional spokesperson Patrick Casey.

Appointments remain available, Casey added, and can be booked by anyone aged 80 and older (born 1941 or earlier) who has received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days ago.

The province announced last week that it would be accelerating second doses, shortening the 16-week interval between doses, first with seniors aged 80 and older beginning May 31.

Residents age 80+ who already have a second dose appointment booked have the option to re-book an earlier appointment or keep their existing appointment. 

Previously booked second-dose appointments are being honoured and will not be cancelled unless a new and earlier appointment is confirmed, Casey added.

Also, anyone 12 years or older who lives, works or goes to school in York Region is eligible to book appointments through york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.

As of today, 72.7 per cent of York Region’s adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Casey said, and 743,555 doses have been administered to York Region residents.

This includes:

• 45,438 doses to people age 80+, or 93.6% of residents in this age bracket
• 31,460 doses to people age 75-79, or 92.5% of residents in this age bracket
• 45,820 doses to people age 70-74, or 86.9% of residents in this age bracket
• 53,572 doses to people age 65-69, or 84.9% of residents in this age bracket
• 62,446 doses to people age 60-64, or 79.8% of residents in this age bracket
• 69,160 doses to people age 55-59, or 75.7% of residents in this age bracket
• 67,659 doses to people age 50-54, or 75.3% of residents in this age bracket
• 62,580 doses to people age 45-49, or 74.1% of residents in this age bracket
• 54,763 doses to people age 40-44, or 74.7% of residents in this age bracket
• 47,003 doses to people age 35-39, or 67.7% of residents in this age bracket
• 39,594 doses to people age 30-34, or 55.8% of residents in this age bracket
• 40,124 doses to people age 25-29, or 55.6% of residents in this age bracket
• 42,865 doses to people age 20-24, or 60.2% of residents in this age bracket
• 16,860 doses to people age 18-19, or 57.7% of residents in this age bracket

Residents age 80+ who are not able or comfortable booking an online appointment are encouraged to seek out a support person (caregiver, family member or friend) who can assist in booking this appointment on their behalf. Telephone support is also available and is listed under the applicable clinic.