As of 9:30 a.m., the following groups are now eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine at a targeted vaccination clinic:

• Adults 18 years and older, born in 2003 or earlier.
• Essential workers who cannot work from home that are 16 years and older, born in 2005 or earlier. The full list of essential workers can be found on page 21 of the Ministry of Health guidance document.
• Youth 12 years of age on the day of their appointment or older who have specified health conditions found on page 18 of the Ministry of Health guidance document.

Individuals 12 years of age to 17 years of age will only be able to book an appointment to receive their first dose of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine. The Moderna vaccine has not been approved to be administered to individuals younger than 18 years of age. Appointments are required at all at the targeted vaccination clinics with no walk-ins permitted. Those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by their custodial parent and/or guardian at the vaccination clinic.

Appointments for the above groups at the targeted COVID-19 vaccination clinics are for first doses only and must be scheduled through the online booking system or by calling the vaccination booking call centre at 226-773-2200. There are some specific exceptions for accelerated second dose appointments established by the Ministry of Health. These second dose appointments can only be scheduled by calling the vaccination booking call centre.

Everyone that schedules an appointment will be asked to attest that they meet the current eligibility criteria to book an appointment. They will also be asked to bring a health card or a government-issued photo ID (if they do not have a health card) to confirm their appointment. Examples of acceptable government-issued photo ID include a driver’s license, a passport, a Status Card, or other provincial health card. Public Health takes vaccine prioritization seriously. Providing false information may result in cancellation of your appointment.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit continues to provide a COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist through the online booking system. The waitlist is used across all targeted vaccination clinics and you will only be contacted if a time slot becomes available the day that you select. Selecting a time slot does not mean that you have an appointment. Please do not go to a clinic unless you are called and approved for an appointment. Waitlist registrations are for first doses only. Those attempting to book second doses through this method will be turned away.

Despite the vaccine rollout, we must continue to practice public health measures to help prevent further spread of COVID-19 in our community:

• Maintain a 2 metre distance from others.
• Limit your contacts to your household only.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Use a medical or non-medical mask (e.g., cloth) in public settings.
• Cover mouth & nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home and do not go to work or school if you are sick.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine booking and eligibility, please visit www.wevax.ca. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 vaccines including facts, myths, FAQs, vaccination statistics, and more, please visit wechu.org. You can also subscribe to receive email updates from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit about COVID-19 vaccines.

May 18, 2021

To read the original news release click here.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay