By: Laura Steiner
The province of Ontario is preparing to immunize up to 8.5 million people in phase two of its COVID-19 vaccination plan. The details of the strategy were unveiled by Premier Doug Ford earlier today.
“With phase one of our plan well underway, we’re getting ready to expand our vaccine rollout and get more needles into arms as soon as the supply is available,” Ford said. Phase one has focused on front line workers in hospitals, and residents as well as staff in long term care.
Phase two could begin as early as March, 2021. Groups eligible receive the vaccine include:
- Older adults, beginning with those 80 years of age and older and decreasing in five-year increments over the course of the vaccine rollout;
- Individuals living and working in high-risk congregate settings;
- Frontline essential workers (e.g., first responders, teachers, food processing industry); and
- Individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers
“We are prepared for the next phase in our vaccine distribution plan with limited supplies,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said. With the onset of phase two, additional vaccination sites will be added including pharmacies, clinics, primary care settings, and mobile vaccination sites.
“Despite the difficult times we find ourselves in, this proves that there is light at the end of the tunnel and, with that in mind, I’m asking everyone to stay strong, stay safe, and follow public health guidelines.” General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier said. Phase three could begin as early as July. Ontario has administered over 144,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines across the province.
