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COVID-19

COVID 19 Vaccine and Immunization

Who can book an appointment now

When booking on the provincial booking system, people must book dose 1 and dose 2 appointments for the booking to be successful. If you only choose an appointment for dose 1 and you exit page, your booking has NOT been completed. With a successful booking you will receive an email confirmation immediately and you will need to bring the confirmation to your appointment.

CLICK HERE to book online through the Province of Ontario’s online booking system. For support over the phone call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line: 1-833-943-3900; Hours of Operation - 8AM-8PM, Monday-Sunday.

 

Those in the highest-risk health condition category plus one essential caregiver, may now book an appointment by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line: 1-833-943-3900 ; Hours of Operation - 8AM-8PM, Monday-Sunday.

Highest risk health condition category includes: 

  • Organ transplant recipients
  • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
  • People with neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (for example, motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis)
  • Haematological malignancy diagnosed within the last year
  • Kidney disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) under 30
  • One essential caregiver for above individuals

Eligible special education workers will be provided with a proof of employment letter from their school board. You will need this letter when booking your appointment (you may be asked to confirm details from your eligibility letter) and will be required to show the letter at your immunization clinic appointment.

Eligible staff can register by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 daily 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to book into one of our community clinics. Appointments are limited from April 18-May 14, but an additional block of appointments will be added beyond that in the coming weeks.

As of April 9, 2021 residents aged 50+ (born in 1971 or earlier) and living in hot spot postal code L3Z will be able to book appointments through the provincial booking site. We are also working with community partners to rollout several clinics in this community. For more information about these clinics please visit www.townofBWG.com
We now have pharmacies and primary care providers throughout Simcoe Muskoka offering AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to those 40 years and older. Locations continue to be added so for up to date information visit the province's website.

Who can pre-register

You must select your eligible group below and read ALL the information before being linked to the pre-register form, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Once you pre-register you will be sent an email invitation with a booking code to book your appointment on the provincial booking system. You will not receive this email immediately. It may take up to 10 days. If you have not received an email within the 10 days please call us 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520). 

 

Those with the following high-risk health conditions who have not already been contacted by their hospital or primary care provider for vaccination, can now pre-register to receive their COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Obesity (BMI over 40) See here to calculate your Body Mass Index
  • Other treatments causing immunosuppression (for example, chemotherapy, immunity-weakening medications) 
  • Intellectual or developmental disabilities (for example, Down Syndrome) 

Primary essential caregivers are included for individuals in the High-Risk Health Conditions group who require regular and sustained assistance with personal care and/or activities of daily living so this could be more than one caregiver (i.e. both parents of a special needs child).

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering: 

  • I am eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine because have one of the above noted conditions, or I am an essential caregiver and provide daily care to someone with one of those conditions. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be asked to indicate that I have one of the conditions listed in the High risk health condition list.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW

Please check with the congregate setting you are affiliated with for any vaccination opportunities being planned specifically for you. Otherwise, continue with the pre-registration process below.

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering: 

  • I am eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine because I am a resident or front-line worker in a high-risk congregate living setting (i.e. group home, shelter, or supportive housing, etc.) or an essential caregiver in an eligible congregate living setting. Please see here  (page 13) for complete list of high-risk congregate living settings and those where caregivers are eligible. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be asked to show documentation of the eligible setting I am affiliated with as a resident/worker/caregiver.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW

Transplant recipients and some cancer patients who have already received their first COVID-19 vaccination are now to receive their second dose at 21 to 28 days as per the Ontario Vaccine Clinical Advisory.

These include:

  • Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplants and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
  • Individuals with malignant hematologic disorders and non-hematologic malignant solid tumors receiving stable, active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy), excluding those receiving solely hormonal therapy or radiation therapy

Please review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering: 

  • I am a transplant recipient or cancer patient who has already received my first COVID-19 vaccination.
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I may be required to provide documentation to verify I meet the criteria and that this will be reviewed when I am contacted for my appointment.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW. 

Those who belong to these two groups but have not yet been vaccinated will be included in the upcoming Phase 2 vaccination roll out as eligible under the Health Conditions prioritization, with dose 2 booked at the appropriate interval.

We are working with local Indigenous services (e.g. Friendship Centres, Native Women’s groups, Métis Councils) to provide COVID-19 vaccination to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals in Simcoe and Muskoka. Information will be promoted about mobile clinics hosted by local Indigenous services.

For COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions for Indigenous Communities click here.

Proof of ancestry and residency will be needed to confirm eligibility because at this time there are not enough vaccines for everyone in the public who wants a vaccine to get one. Indigenous communities have been identified as a high priority to get the vaccine. In order to make sure Indigenous community members can get the vaccines now, clinics will be requesting identification. If you need support with documents, contact your local Indigenous organization.

For Indigenous adults

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering:

  • I am an Indigenous adult 16 years of age and older (based on birth date, not birth year, due to authorization of the vaccine for age 16 and up). 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be required to show documentation of Indigenous identity – any one of:
    o Indigenous Services Canada Secure Certificate of Indian Status
    o Band membership card
    o Citizenship card issued by a Métis Nation of Canada governing member (e.g., Metis Nation of Ontario)
    o Land claim beneficiary card (Inuit)
    o Letter from local Indigenous service organizations
    o Letter from your home community (Elder, Band Office, Social Worker, etc.).
    If you need support with documents, contact your local Indigenous organization.
  • I am aware I will be required to show documentation of age: Ontario Health Card or other document with my birth date (this is in addition to Indigenous Identity).
  • I am aware that I will need to be present at my household member(s) appointment(s).

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

For household members (Indigenous or non-Indigenous)

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering: 

  • I am 16 years of age and older (based on birth date, not birth year, due to authorization of the vaccine for age 16 and up).
  • I am currently living in the same household as an Indigenous adult. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group OR if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be required to show documentation of age: Ontario Health Card or other document with birth date. 
  • I am aware that I need my own appointment but that my Indigenous household member will need to be present at my appointment.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering:

  • I receive Home Care service on a regular ongoing basis. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I have received a phone call from my LHIN or Home and Community Care advising me that I am eligible for the vaccine. At the clinic your name will be cross-referenced with the list provided by Home and Community Care.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

 

  • In partnership with paramedic services and Home and Community Care we are providing immunization to Simcoe Muskoka residents who are housebound and eligible for COVID-19 vaccination (approximately 800 people). 
  • Until recently, there has not been a COVID-19 vaccine available that could be moved from location to location due to storage and handling requirements. With approval now to move individual doses of the Moderna vaccine, we are providing immunization to this group of people where they live. 
  • Home and Community Care are reaching out to their homebound patients to set this up.

 

Please confirm your current profession is in the highest, very high, high priority or moderate (new) health care worker group. See the full list of categories of health care workers who are currently eligible for vaccination in Simcoe Muskoka.

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering:

  • I am eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine based on my employment/profession. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be required to show employment/professional identification (e.g. work identification, letter from employer, documentation of professional license/registration, etc.)

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering:

  • I am eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine because I am a registered essential caregiver for a resident in long-term care or a retirement home. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be required to bring proof of my registration as one of the two essential caregivers for a resident in a long-term care or retirement home.

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

Please confirm your current profession is that of a faith leader who, as part of your regular role has close contact with persons and families in the following circumstances:
a. End of life care
b. Care of the deceased, funerals, bathing, or other ceremony with direct contact with deceased persons
c. Home visits to unwell persons
d. Pastoral care in hospitals/LTCHs/RHS or other vulnerable settings

Review and confirm that you meet all the following criteria before pre-registering:

  • I am eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine based on my employment/profession. 
  • I do not belong to a special patient group or if I do, I have received education/counseling from a health care provider. 
  • I am aware I will be required to show employment/professional identification (e.g. work identification, letter from employer, documentation of professional license/registration, etc.)

If you answered yes to all the questions CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER NOW.

Who will be eligible next

We understand that many people want to know when they will be able to get the vaccine. We have now moved into Phase 2 which includes expanded eligible groups, but it is expected that it will take until the end of June to immunize all of those groups who will be eligible during this phase.

Second doses are being given 16 weeks after the first dose as recommended by the National Advisory Committee for Immunization. This allows Ontario to maximize the number of people who can benefit from the strong protection provided by the first dose.

The provincial booking system will soon be available to book 2nd dose appointments only, for all those who have received their 1st dose and don’t currently have a 2nd dose appointment booked.

UPDATE: Those who received their first immunization between December 30 – January 9, are being contacted by the health unit to book their second dose appointment. We will continue to work through this grouping until the provincial system is updated to allow people to book their own 2nd dose appointment.

 

The vaccination of Phase 2 populations is based on age and risk factors and is rolling out in sequence. We are now vaccinating adults aged 60 and over, and groups recognized to have greater risk associated with hot spot communities, congregate living settings as well as highest and high-risk health conditions.

Another phase 2 group that will be eligible soon includes those in the at-risk health condition category and first and second groups of essential frontline workers who cannot work from home.

For a list of who is identified in the at-risk health conditions category and the first and second groups of essential frontline workers who cannot work from visit the province's website.

 
Who will be vaccinated: 
• Remaining Ontarians over 16 years old who wish to be vaccinated

For more information on:

Community clinics

Community clinics are located throughout Simcoe & Muskoka. Clinics are by appointment only and are currently vaccinating eligible groups only. One of Health Canada's approved mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is administered at our community clinics. You will not be able to select which vaccine you are administered.

One person can accompany a client to their appointment if patient has a physical and/or developmental disability, or require interpretation of instructions etc. If you need assistance please see the clinic coordinator or screener when you arrive.

Important Clinic Information

If you need assisted transportation to and from your vaccination appointment, please visit one of the websites below: 

  • Clinics are by appointment only. No drop-ins are allowed.
  • Please DO NOT arrive for your appointment early. Arrive just on time. Due to COVID public health measures we have limited waiting room space available. Dress for the weather as you may be required to wait outdoors before entering the clinic.
  • One person can accompany a client to their appointment if they need assistance. Everyone needs to ensure they are following public health measures.
  • You can get assistance to support your mobility at the clinic, please see the clinic coordinator or screener who will be able to help.
  • If you are bringing someone who cannot give their own consent and in the case where a substitute decision maker is filling out consent on behalf of someone getting the vaccine please read, fill out and bring this form COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form with you to the appointment. 

Clinic locations:

Barrie and area: 

  • 29 Sperling Drive, Barrie 
  • Holly Recreation Centre, Barrie 
  • Innisfil Recreation Complex

Muskoka:

  • Canada Summit Centre, Huntsville (effective March 22, 2021)
  • Bracebridge Sportsplex

Couchiching:

  • West Orillia Sports Complex, Rotary Place Arena, Orillia

North Simcoe:

  • North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, Midland
  • Penetanguishene Memorial Arena

South Georgian Bay:

  • Collingwood Royal Canadian Legion (Drive thru) 
  • Wasaga Beach RecPlex Community Centre (Drive thru)

South Simcoe:

  • Alliston Memorial Arena 
  • Tottenham Community Centre 
  • Bob Fallis Arena, Bradford

 

 

Learn more

We recognize that the decision to get vaccinated is a personal one, but we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to protect yourself. The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to stop the spread, build immunity and when enough of our population is immune strict public health measures (e.g. physical distancing, masks) will no longer be necessary.

Learn about each vaccine, how it works, how it is given, ingredients, allergies, possible side effects, safety monitoring.

 

How do mRNA vaccines work?

It will take a whole community approach with many agencies and individuals sharing the work, to vaccinate the majority of the over half million people in Simcoe Muskoka. A local, targeted vaccination plan has been created by SMDHU, with the input and expertise of many partners through the Simcoe Muskoka COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Advisory Committee. Considerations by the committee include; health system risks, understanding how to reach vulnerable community members, and exploring resources to increase capacity and coordination between organizations. For a full understanding of the role of the advisory committee view the Terms of Reference.

The Simcoe Muskoka COVID-19 Vaccination Plan provides an overview of how the vaccine will be given to residents over the next several months and includes priority populations’ (see 'Who can get the vaccine' below) specific to our region and a three-phased approach based on Ontario’s vaccine distribution implementation plan. The plan will involve various types of vaccine delivery methods including the use of community clinics and mobile clinics to reach residents in various geographic areas across our region. As the vaccine supply becomes more stable our goal is to vaccinate thousands of people each day, by offering vaccine clinics 7 days a week (in most areas), with hours extending into the evenings. Planning is underway for other types of clinics such as drive-thru clinics, as well as other sites in the community. We also plan to work with health care providers and pharmacies for more widely distributed vaccine delivery in the future, when vaccine types and supply permits.

The vaccine program details and timelines in the plan are estimated and may change based on direction from the Ministry of Health. As information regarding priority populations, vaccine supply and other details important to our local region develop, we will work with our various planning partners to update our plan to ensure that we continue to reach our goal.

Page Last Updated: April 20, 2021

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