Toronto has almost 30,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for eligible seniors
COVID-19 mass immunization clinics in Toronto have almost 30,000 appointments available next week for eligible seniors age 75 and older to receive their first dose of vaccine, and now they have opened it up to residents 70 and older. Vaccines are safe and effective and everyone who is eligible is encouraged to book an appointment. Residents who receive their first dose of vaccine in the coming week will have their second dose by early summer and be able to enjoy beautiful summer days knowing they have protection against COVID-19.
If you are 70 or older, the time to book your appointment is now. While registrations reached 100 per cent capacity during the first week of City-run clinic operations, more bookings are available following the initial booking rush, in addition to additional clinic capacity and increased vaccine supply.
“The message right now is simple. If you’re eligible: Please get vaccinated. The vaccine will keep you safe and help protect your loved ones. We are working with our healthcare partners to get everyone vaccinated as quickly as supply allows. We are letting people know these appointments are available so they don’t hesitate to get the shot right now,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.
“I encourage people to check with their family, friends and loved ones who are eligible to help them register and get vaccinated. Our Team Toronto effort is leading the province in getting people vaccinated and we need to keep that progress going until everyone who wants a vaccine has the opportunity to get one,” said Mayor Tory.
Booking an appointment
There are several options to book an appointment at a City-operated clinic or at a preferred hospital.
- The easiest ways for eligible seniors to book appointments are:
- Online (City-operated clinics): https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
- Phone (City-operated clinics): 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)
- Online (hospital clinics): www.vaccineto.ca
- Phone (hospital clinics): 1-888-385-1910
For those not sure which clinic location is most convenient or looking for directions, a map of vaccination options in Toronto is on the City’s COVID-19: Vaccine Clinic Locations webpage: www.toronto.ca/COVID19vaccinemap.
Getting to clinics (City-operated)
Next week, appointments at City-operated clinics for eligible residents are available at five locations:
- Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.
- Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd.
- Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr.
- Malvern Community Recreation Centre, 30 Sewells Rd.
- Mitchell Field Arena, 89 Church Ave.
A sixth City-operated clinic at The Hangar will open on Monday, April 5. Maps, travel directions and pictures are available for each clinic, including details about parking.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Free parking for one hour in the north garage; take a ticket to enter and to leave follow signs through to the designated COVID-19 Immunization clinic exit
- Easy for drop-off and pick-up
- Short walk from Union Station and St. Andrew TTC station
Toronto Congress Centre
- Large amount of free parking
- Easy for drop-off and pick-up
- TTC bus service from Lawrence West and Kipling TTC stations
Scarborough Town Centre
- Parking is available in the mall parking lots (5 hours maximum), parking lot 2 and lot 5 are closest to the clinic
- Easy for drop-off and pick-up
- Short walk from Scarborough Centre TTC station; follow signs to exit the mall at entrance #1 and walk a short distance following signs to clinic
Malvern Community Recreation Centre
- Limited parking
- TTC bus service from Scarborough Centre TTC station
Mitchell Field Arena
- Limited parking on the west side of the arena
- Short walk from North York Centre TTC station
- TTC is finalizing plans for shuttle bus service from Finch station every 30 minutes for an initial three-week trial period
Help getting to a clinic (Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan)
On Wednesday, the City announced the Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan. The City has partnered with transportation organizations to get eligible seniors, adults with disabilities and adults who are immunocompromised to and from vaccination appointments within Toronto. The program is not fully up and running yet but does have rides available next week. To book a ride contact:
- Toronto Ride, www.torontoride.ca or 416-481-5250
- iRide, www.circleofcare.com/vaccinerides or 1-844-474-3301
- Scarborough Ride, https://www.schcontario.ca/scarboroughride.html or 416-736-9372
Additional details about eligibility, how to book and transportation options are all on the City’s COVID-19 webpages: www.toronto.ca/covid-19.
“We’ve advocated strongly for vaccine supply for Toronto residents, particularly for those who are at high risk of developing serious illness. I cannot stress this enough: if you are eligible for vaccination, book your appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait. If you are a Toronto resident who can support an eligible Torontonian to receive their vaccine, reach out now. Help in any way you can including navigating the booking process and ensuring safe travel to the vaccination appointment. If you have questions about any of the available COVID-19 vaccinations in Toronto, visit www.toronto.ca/covid19, call Toronto Public Health, or speak to your doctor or health care provider.” – Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health
The City is also urging Torontonians to help and encourage their eligible friends, family and neighbours to book an appointment. Anyone who is able can help the eligible seniors in their life by letting them know they can book vaccination appointments, helping them access the online booking system on www.toronto.ca/covid-19 or the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) and driving, accompanying or arranging transportation to their appointment. When attending an appointment, eligible seniors can bring someone to assist them – whether with transportation, mobility, translation or any other need. The person attending to help the eligible individual will be screened for symptoms upon arrival.
As Toronto continues the rollout of mass immunization, to reduce and eliminate the transmission of COVID-19, protect the healthcare system and save lives, the City continues to urge all residents to stay home as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please review the City’s simple “Dos” and “Don’ts” guide for recommended and mandatory public health measures under provincial regulations and City bylaws: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-reopening-recovery-rebuild/covid-19-guide-for-toronto-residents-grey/.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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