York Region expands vaccine rollout to residents aged 70+ as of Tuesday

York Region residents age 70 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations as of tomorrow, March 23. 

Residents born in 1951 and earlier can book appointments at one of seven clinics, including at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket, as of 8:30 a.m. on york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.

Appointments are required, if you visit a vaccination clinic without an appointment, you will be turned away.

Also this week, York Region mobile outreach teams will begin to vaccinate homebound individuals, according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

"However, some residents may also find drive-thru clinics opening soon as a good option," Casey added. "A drive-thru site at Canada’s Wonderland will open Monday, March 29."

Drive-thru clinics will also operate by appointment only.

The vaccination centres currently accepting appointments are:

• Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket, operated by Southlake Regional Health Centre
• Georgina Ice Palace, operated by York Region Public Health
• Richmond Green Sports Centre in Richmond Hill, operated by York Region Public Health      
• Aaniin Community Centre in Markham, operated by York Region Public Health
• Cornell Community Centre in Markham, operated by Eastern York Region North Durham (EYRND) Ontario Health Team (OHT)
• Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, operated by Mackenzie Health
• Maple Community Centre in Vaughan, operated by York Region Public Health

Clinic dates and times vary for each location. Visit york.ca/Covid19Vaccine for specific clinic details.
 
Each eligible individual can book their first COVID-19 vaccination appointment online; telephone support is available and is listed under the applicable clinic.
 
York Region is administering vaccines according to the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan to:

• York Region residents 70 years of age and older (born in 1951 or earlier)
• Highest, very high and high priority health care workers as identified in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Work Prioritization that work or live in York Region
• Staff, essential caregivers and any residents that have not yet received a first dose in long-term care homes, retirement homes and First Nations elder care homes
• Alternative level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home or other congregate care home for seniors
• Staff, residents and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors
• Indigenous adults and members of their households
• Eligible adult recipients of chronic home care

As vaccine supply increases, additional appointment slots for residents 70+ and previously eligible groups will be released. Residents are encouraged to check back often for appointments that may become available, Casey said.