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In theory, it’s never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Toronto: the city has more clinics, more shots and more appointment slots than ever before.
But inconsistencies in supply and messaging have created confusion, leaving many in the dark about just where they can get the jab.
Toronto currently has four main avenues to vaccination:
- city-run mass-immunization clinics,
- local hospitals,
- pharmacies carrying the AstraZeneca vaccine,
- pop-up clinics.
Most have a unique sign-up process and cater to different groups.
Mass vaccination clinics
What are they? Nine clinics at large locations around the city.
Who runs them? The city of Toronto.
Who can get vaccinated there? Right now, people 60 years old or over in 2021, or people 50 or over who live in designated hot-spot postal codes. Also in the mix right now: qualified special education workers and education workers in elementary and secondary schools.
How do I book there? Appointments can be made online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/, where you will be prompted to enter your postal code, select your eligibility group and your health card type. Qualified education workers can also call 1‑833‑943‑3900 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every day, to book an appointment after answering some questions.
What vaccines do they offer? Currently, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Anything else I should know? To use the sign-up portal, you need a green health card, an email and a web browser newer than seven years old.
If you still have a red health card, you must book your appointment through the call centre at 1‑833‑943‑3900. If you don’t have a health card at all, you must book by calling 1-888-385-1910.
Hospital-run clinics
What are they? Clinics run by certain hospitals and other health providers around the city.
Who runs them? The list includes, but is not limited to, the University Health Network, Unity Health Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, East Toronto Health Partners, Scarborough Health Network, North York Toronto Health Partners, Humber River Hospital, William Osler Health System, North Toronto Ontario Health Team and Baycrest and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Who can get vaccinated there? It varies slightly from hospital to hospital, though all are designed to serve their geographic area. In general, on top of age criteria (60 or older, or 50 or older in hot-spot areas), the hospitals are offering vaccines to priority groups such as Indigenous adults, people living in hot spots, health-care workers and people with high-risk health conditions, though qualifying medical conditions can vary from hospital to hospital. Some hospitals are no longer offering appointments to the general public.
How do I book there? Appointments can be booked at https://vaccineto.ca/. After entering your postal code, select a nearby hospital and click “Book Here.” You will be redirected to the hospital’s website and booking system.
What vaccines do they offer? Currently, Pfizer and Moderna.
Anything else I should know? As well as geographic requirements, medical criteria is key at many of these locations, but the criteria can change from hospital to hospital. So it is important to monitor these sites closely if you feel you qualify.
Pharmacies
Which ones? Chains like Shoppers, Rexall, Costco and Walmart, as well as some independent pharmacies across Ontario.
Who’s eligible? People 55 years old or older.
How do I get an appointment? Browse the list of participating pharmacies at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations, find one near you and make an appointment over the phone or online. Some Toronto Shoppers locations are also offering unofficial walk-in appointments.
Walk-in locations were not advertised by the company, instead spreading by word of mouth and on social media. Four locations were identified by the Star’s May Warren, including Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue, Bloor Street and Bedford Road, the Hudson’s Bay Centre at Yonge and Bloor Streets, and Six Points Plaza at Kipling Avenue and Dundas Street West.
What vaccine do they offer? AstraZeneca.
Pop-up clinics
What are they? Temporary vaccination sites set up in community centres, places of worship, workplaces and near high-density housing. Mobile sites in buses are also planned.
Who can get vaccinated there? People 18 or older who live in hot spots or who work in large indoor buildings, attend a faith-based building, live in high-risk settings (such as shelters), or who regularly attend community centres in hot spots.
How do I get an appointment? Booking can be done in the same place hospital appointments are offered at https://vaccineto.ca/sites.
Where are they? Right now, the pop-ups include Regent Park and Wellesley Community Centre, Thorncliffe Park Community Hub, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Etobicoke, Community Place Hub on Weston Rd and West Park Healthcare Centre.
When will more open? In the coming weeks. The province is asking employers who are located in hot spots to inquire about hosting pop-up clinics for their employees and the community by emailing covid19vaccinetaskforce@ontario.ca.
What vaccines do they offer? Pfizer or Moderna.
Anything else I should know? You will have to bring proof of address.
Article From: The Star
Author: Ben Cohen
