Those with high-risk health conditions now qualify for vaccination

The Windsor-essex County Health Unit announced over the weekend that residents with a high-risk health condition can now book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Certain essential caregivers can also schedule an appointment.

Highest-risk health conditions include organ transplant recipients, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised, hematological malignancy and kidney disease.

Conditions considered high risk include individuals:

■ with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher;

■ receiving treatments that cause immunosuppression such as chemotherapy;

■ and with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Residents who meet those criteria are eligible to book a vaccination appointment and must attest to meeting the criteria at the time of booking. Residents who meet this criteria may also have one essential caregiver receive a vaccine. An essential caregiver is someone providing direct, frequent and sustained in-person personal care and/or assistance with activities of daily living.

Eligible residents must book an appointment online at wevax.ca or by calling the vaccination booking call centre at 226-773-2200.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit www. wevax.ca or subscribe to receive email updates from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit about COVID-19 vaccines.