Vaccines now available for 60+, 55+ and essential worker registrations

Beginning today, Wednesday, April 7, individuals aged 60 and older can book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties at ontario.ca/bookvaccine.

“We are very encouraged to be able to expand eligibility to those over age 60, but remind residents that we must remain vigilant until everyone is able to receive two doses of vaccine,” says Dr Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health for HPEPH. “The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to take advantage of the earliest possible opportunity to be vaccinated – either through a pharmacy, or through one of our clinics.”

How to Book Your Appointment
Online booking is encouraged. If you are unable to book online, you are advised to contact the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900​. The Booking Line is available 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday-Sunday. Individuals who do not have a photo ID health card will be required to book by phone. Appointments are available throughout the community, and all available vaccine appointment spots are posted on Ontario.ca/bookvaccine.

Even if you pre-registered with HPEPH to be notified when you became eligible, you still need to book an appointment through the provincial system. You do not need to wait for an email or call from HPEPH if you are eligible based on your age.

If available clinic times are full, continue to check the website as appointment availability continues to be updated to respond to cancellations or changes in vaccine supply.

As HPEPH vaccine clinic spaces continue to be reliant on the amount of vaccines that are available, individuals aged 55+ are reminded that they are eligible for vaccination opportunities at local pharmacies, which may offer appointments earlier than those available through HPEPH clinics. Click here to check participating pharmacies.

“Getting as many community members immunized as quickly as possible will help improve immunity throughout the community, and reduce the risk of transmission for everyone in our region. The best vaccine is one that is available to you as quickly as possible,” said Oglaza.

Pre-registration is now available for eligible Phase 2 Essential Workers

HPEPH is now gathering pre-registration information for those who will be eligible for a vaccine in Phase 2 of the province’s roll out plan. In addition, any individuals eligible through Phase 1 can continue to pre-register for a first dose appointment. Those eligible as a Phase 2 Essential Worker will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of their vaccination appointment. This could include an employee ID, pay stub, or T4.

Individuals who qualify as listed above are encouraged to pre-register to receive an invitation to book once you become eligible. At this time, it is anticipated that invitations will begin to be offered in late spring/early summer (First Group) and in mid summer (Second Group). Please pre-register online, and your information will be submitted to the Ministry of Health when your group becomes eligible to book. Contact information for individuals currently eligible in HPEPH is submitted to the Ministry of Health on a rolling basis. You will then receive a direct invitation from the Ministry of Health with instructions on how to book your appointment. Pre-registration forms may also be used to fill last minute clinic vacancies, if needed.