4.8 Million Ontarians Received First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
With 40 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over having received their first shot, we are one step closer to defeating COVID-19
Yesterday, our PC government achieved its goal of administering first doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 40 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by May 1. With over 4.8 million people having received their first shot, we are one step closer to defeating COVID-19.
Despite an inconsistent vaccine supply to date, we’ve continued building a solid foundation in Ontario’s vaccine rollout, with a focus on age and risk, allowing us to reach our most vulnerable populations and have a measurable impact. As of April 30, over 91 per cent of Ontarians aged 80 and over have received at least one dose.
With an expected increase in vaccine supply from the federal government, our government is ramping up its vaccine rollout and expanding delivery channels to vaccinate more Ontarians across the province faster, especially those in areas that continue to be hit hardest by COVID-19. This includes a targeted, time-limited commitment to allocate 50 per cent of upcoming vaccine shipments to hot spot communities to reduce COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in these areas. This approach will not take away vaccines from other public health unit regions, whose allocations will remain the same as previously planned and will increase later in May.
The more predictable supply will also allow Ontario to continue expanding booking eligibility across the province, with individuals aged 18 and older eligible to book an appointment through the provincial booking system as early as the week of May 24, 2021.
Ontario is on track to offer first dose vaccinations to up to ten million people by the end of June with a steady supply of vaccines from the federal government. We strongly encourage everyone to book an appointment as soon as it’s their turn to we help protect themselves, their loved ones and our communities and stop the spread of COVID-19.