Last week, we shared news of the region of Waterloo’s extension of eligibility to pre-register for the Covid19 vaccine to adults 18+ living in high priority neighbourhoods. We are glad to share that welcome development has now been extended to the rest of Ontario.

The provincial government is extending eligibility for Covid19 vaccines to everyone aged 18+. People in that age group were originally scheduled to be eligible from May 24 but can now book from 8AM Tuesday, May 18 due to a large supply of vaccines scheduled to arrive in Canada this week. You are also eligible – for the Pfizer vaccine only – if you’re 17 and turning 18 in 2021.

If you meet the criteria, book an appointment through the province’s online portal or directly through local public health units .

You can only book through the provincial online vaccine booking system if you:

• meet the age criteria for your public health unit
• have a green photo health (OHIP) card (you will need numbers from both sides of the card, expired cards will be accepted)
• have an email address and/or a phone number (your own or someone helping you book your appointment)
• have a modern web browser (the booking site is not compatible with Internet Explorer 11 or earlier)

Other alternatives to book

Booking by Phone

If you prefer to make an appointment by phone or need assistance with booking, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). The line is available 8AM to 8PM, 7 days a week with information available in more than 300 languages.

If you have a red and white health card

You can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

If you do not have an Ontario health card

If you do not have an Ontario health card at all, you are still eligible for the vaccine. Contact your local public health unit where you will be asked for another form of identification. Once the public health unit has confirmed your eligibility for vaccination, they will help book your appointment.

For more information, visit the province’s webpage on how to schedule a vaccination.