Second doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be available sooner for individuals aged 70 and over and anyone vaccinated on or before April 18

The Ontario Government announced that as of 8 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, more people will be eligible to receive their second doses of COVID-19 vaccine sooner than previously scheduled. These individuals include the following: those aged 70 and over in 2021 as well as individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) on or before April 18, 2021.

The ability to book second dose appointments sooner than previously scheduled in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area is based on the local vaccine supply. Public Health is constantly adding more clinics and appointments to make sure the most people possible can get vaccine based on our local supply. If you do call or check online at times and don’t find available appointments either for a first or second dose, please call or check back again—appointments are added routinely.

Currently, individuals 80 years of age and older in 2021 can contact Public Health to book appointments to get their second doses sooner than originally scheduled. In addition, the following individuals can also request to receive their second doses sooner: people with some higher risk health conditions (Government of Ontario) that result in a weakened immune system (for example, transplant recipient); certain high-risk health care workers (Government of Ontario); First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals; residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Assisted Living facilities identified by the Ontario Ministry of Health, and residents of a First Nations elder care home or Elder Care Lodge; and individuals who have already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine who fall under any of the groups listed above. If people wish to keep their originally scheduled vaccination appointments for their second doses, they do not need to contact Public Health.

Individuals who have not yet received their first dose, as well as those who are now eligible for to receive their second dose sooner are asked to be patient, as it could take time to receive an appointment.

How to book an appointment in a Public Health Clinic

All vaccination clinics are by appointment only and COVID-safety measures are in place. You must not attend a clinic if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are in isolation due to a COVID-19 exposure.

Public Health uses two separate systems to book appointments. Some appointment are available through online bookings, while others are available only by calling. If you choose to book online and don’t find an appointment, please call us to see if other appointments might be available. Of note, by calling our Booking Centre, the agents are able to check all available appointments.

Book online

Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

Book by phone

• Call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

For information on local vaccine eligibility, how to book an appointment, and for upcoming vaccination clinic dates, types, and locations, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.

By the numbers

As of Friday, June 4, 2021, a total of 118 440 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered locally: 113 522 people received their first dose, and 17 637 people have been fully vaccinated.

For more information or if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Public Health returns all calls received; however, at times, inquiry volumes are high. Patience is appreciated.