A big expansion is on the way for Halton’s vaccine program.
Starting April 16, essential workers who can’t do their jobs from home — including teachers and those working in food manufacturing and distribution — can book an appointment to be vaccinated through one of Halton Public Health’s clinics.
Others who become eligible that day include: Adults aged 50 and up living in the L9E postal code area of Milton, individuals with highest-risk and high-risk health conditions (as defined by the Province) and one essential caregiver, along with remaining healthcare staff who live or work in Halton and can’t work from home.
Appointments for these new priority groups can be secured through an online booking system at halton.ca/COVIDvaccines from April 16 onward. Those who need assistance can call 311.
The essential workers, identified as group one by the Ontario government, are:
· Elementary/secondary school workers (including educators, custodial and administrative staff, and school bus drivers)
· Workers responding to critical events (including police, fire, special constables, Children’s Aid Society workers, emergency management and critical infrastructure restoration workers)
· Enforcement, inspection and compliance roles (including bylaw enforcement, building inspectors, food inspectors, animal welfare inspector, border inspection officers and labour inspectors/WSIB field workers)
· All licensees, employees and students on an educational placement who interact directly with children in licensed child care centres and authorized recreation and skill building programs
· Licensed home child care and in-home service providers, employees of a home child care agency and students on an educational placement
· Foster care agency workers (including customary care providers)
· Food manufacturing and distribution workers
· Agricultural and farm workers
· Funeral, crematorium and cemetery workers.
“We are firmly into phase two of the provincial vaccination plan and making significant progress in our vaccination efforts in Halton,” said Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani.
“All vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and complications from COVID-19. If you or someone you know is eligible, I encourage you to get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but keep our community safe and healthy.”
According to Halton Region’s website, its clinics are currently administering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
· Foster care agency workers (including customary care providers)
· Food manufacturing and distribution workers
· Agricultural and farm workers
· Funeral, crematorium and cemetery workers.
“We are firmly into phase two of the provincial vaccination plan and making significant progress in our vaccination efforts in Halton,” said Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani.
“All vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and complications from COVID-19. If you or someone you know is eligible, I encourage you to get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but keep our community safe and healthy.”
