The Halton Region has announced that all Indigenous adults in Halton (aged 18-years or older) will be able to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a local clinic by Friday, April 9th.
This includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations. The previous age limit for Indigenous peoples in Halton was set at 55-years or older, so this shift will affect qualifying adults 18 – 54-years old.
“We will continue to vaccinate eligible residents identified by the Province as quickly as supply is received from the Federal and Provincial Governments,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr in a statement. “Our dedicated team of Regional staff and hospital partners continue to work hard to make booking appointments and getting vaccinated as easy as possible. Getting your vaccination is just one tool to stop the spread of COVID-19 and I continue to urge all residents, even those who are vaccinated, to take all public health measures seriously.”
The Halton Region adds in a press release that it is working to ensure its COVID-19 Vaccination Program and clinics are respectful of Indigenous cultures. This has included engagement with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Credit River Métis Council, Six Nations of the Grand First Nations, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, Indigenous Affairs Ontario, Urban Indigenous Organizations servicing the GTHA and highly regarded Indigenous health care professionals.
The following people are now eligible to book an appointment in Halton:
- all Halton residents 60 and older (born in 1961 or earlier);
- Indigenous Adults (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations) living in Halton, who are 18 years of age or older (must have had their 18th birthday on or before the date of their first dose appointment) – starting April 9;
- staff and essential caregivers from long-term care or retirement homes in Halton who have not received their first dose;
- health care workers identified as highest priority, very high priority and high priority (providing direct, non-virtual care at least once a week) who live OR work in Halton; and
- adults receiving chronic home care through a Local Health Integration Network or a home care agency.
Appointments are available in April.
19 pharmacies in Halton are also offering the Astrazeneca vaccine to residents 55-years and older. Find one close to you through this link.
“We are fortunate as a community to have access to three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “If you are currently eligible, please book your appointment through a pharmacy or through our clinics – each and every vaccine administered is one step closer to bringing an end to the pandemic and preventing serious illness. As cases continue to rise and variants spread, I am once again urging all residents to press pause – please stay home as much as possible, make essential trips only and avoid all gatherings.”
