SWPH Expanding COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility the Week of May 10

Amid a more steady-stream of vaccine being delivered to the Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford region, Southwestern Public Health is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility several times this week to align with Ontario’s rollout timelines.

Eligible Starting May 11
As announced on May 10, Ontario plans to open eligibility to additional groups starting May 11 at 8 a.m. with at-risk health conditions and Group 2 essential workers who cannot work from home.

Southwestern Public Health further defines these groups as:

• Essential workers aged 16 and older who cannot work from home.
• Adults aged 16 and older who have a specific at-risk health condition, including:
  • Immune deficiencies/autoimmune disorders
  • Stroke/cerebrovascular disease
  • Dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • All other cancers
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Spleen problems (e.g. asplenia)
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension with end organ damage
  • Diagnosis of a mental disorder
  • Substance use disorders
  • Sickle Cell disease
  • Thalassemia
  • Immunocompromising health conditions
  • Other disabilities requiring direct support care in the community

Both of these cohorts will be required to self-attest that they meet the definition as outlined. Essential workers from Group 1 will also move to self-attestation – preregistration and passwords are no longer required.

Types of essential work that cannot be done from home are listed in the Ministry’s Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations; however, it is not an exhaustive list according to Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “We consider the Ministry’s guidance for Group 2 essential workers as a list of examples only. Anyone who is 16 or older who cannot do their work from home or virtually is eligible in our region starting May 11.”

Those who are able to work from home are not eligible unless they meet different criteria, such as age or having an eligible health condition or living in the N5H postal code. 

Eligible Starting May 13
To further align with the province, Southwestern Public Health will also expand eligibility to those aged 40 and older beginning May 13 at 8 a.m. 

Book an appointment at www.covidvaccinelm.ca or call 226-289-3560 (Toll Free 1-888-333-2175). 

Second Dose Prioritization
Additionally, Ontario has updated its guidance for who can receive a second dose earlier than 16 weeks. This now includes high-risk healthcare workers in specific roles, dialysis recipients, and First Nations, Metis or Inuit individuals aged 16 and older. Details will be shared later this week for how those eligible can re-book to an earlier appointment.

Contacts

Megan Cornwell
Manager, Communications | Southwestern Public Health
communications@swpublichealth.ca