Residents with ‘highest-risk’ conditions can book shots
Eligibility extended to those with certain ailments, their caregivers
People with certain health conditions and their caregivers can now book their COVID vaccines.
As of Friday, anyone 18 years or older who is classified as “highest risk” based on their health conditions could book an appointment through the Ontario call centre.
According to the province, this includes residents who:
á had an organ transplant at any time in the past;
á had a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) at any time in the past;
á have a neurological disease that makes it difficult to breathe (for example, motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis);
á were diagnosed with cancer that affects your blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes (a haematological malignancy) within the last year; á have severe kidney disease (eGFR under 30); á are an essential caregiver for someone with any of the above conditions.
Anyone who fits the categories can call 1-833-943-3900 to book a shot. Callers will be asked questions about their eligibility, the province says.
Starting Sunday, at 8 a.m., those eligible will also be able to book a first-dose appointment through Ontario’s online portal, according to Hamilton public health.
The joy was apparent in Cindy Stranak’s voice when she heard the news.
“That’s fabulous,” said the 46year-old downtown resident who has lung disease. Though Stranak doesn’t fit into the “highest-risk” category, the news gave her hope.
“It means that things are moving along,” she said in an interview.
Stranak is a mother to two young children — ages eight and 10 — and visits the hospital twice a month for treatment.
“I think about my own children and what would happen if I got COVID from going to one of my medical appointments,” Stranak said. “I can’t help but think I’m not alone.”
Spokesperson James Berry said in an email Friday that those eligible based on their health conditions will also be contacted by their medical specialist with information on booking locally.
The province says the “highest-risk” group will receive their shots mainly at hospital clinics or where the residents receive treatment, if possible.
“Arrangements should be discussed with the community member’s medical specialist,” said Berry, when asked for details.
There may also be good news ahead for people next in line who are “high risk.”
Berry said residents in this group will also be contacted by their specialists with info on booking their shots. As well, those eligible will “soon” be able to get an appointment online through Ontario’s portal, he added.
Health conditions considered “high-risk” include:
á obesity (BMI over 40);
á other treatments causing immunosuppression (for example, chemotherapy, immunity weakening medications);
á intellectual or developmental disabilities (for example, Down syndrome);
á one essential caregiver for those individuals who require regular any sustained assistance with personal care and/or activities of daily living.
The move forward comes as Hamilton and Ontario both reported record numbers of daily new cases since the start of the pandemic. Hospitals are surging with patients, including in Hamilton where 120 patients are admitted with COVID alone.
However, the vaccine rollout has been marred by shipment delays to Canada. A supply shortage has stalled the opening of Hamilton’s fourth planned vaccination site at Rosedale Arena. Existing clinics are also not running at full capacity.
Hamilton administered 3,025 vaccines on April 15, including roughly 1,700 at its three mass clinics at Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th campus and First Ontario Centre. The city has the potential to administer 6,200 doses per day through the three clinics, according to public health.
Meanwhile, pharmacies receive vaccines directly from the province, public health said. Residents 55 years and older can contact participating pharmacies for an appointment.