Today is a special article that explains how to get the vaccine, because the information is rather confusing and sometimes anarchic. This is valid for the Toronto area.
Who can receive it ?
Here is the list of people who can receive it as of the morning of May 3rd at 8:00 AM. I will try to update this list as we go along ;)
People who are 18 years and older in 2021 and live in a hotspot (list below)
40 to 44 years old in 2021
Front-line health care workers
Personal support workers
Licensed child care workers
Special education workers
Education workers in elementary and secondary schools
Essential caregivers for care home residents
Residents and staff in shelters, community living, or other group living settings
Residents and staff in long-term care, assisted living, or retirement homes
First Nations Elder care home residents and staff
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit adults
People with highest risk health conditions and their caregivers
Chronic home health care recipients
Hotspots areas
To find out if you are in a Hotspot, compare your postal code with the list below!
M1B
M1C
M1E
M1G
M1H
M1J
M1K
M1L
M1M
M1P
M1R
M1S
M1T
M1V
M1W
M1X
M2J
M2M
M2R
M3A
M3C
M3H
M3J
M3K
M3L
M3M
M3N
M4A
M4H
M4X
M5A
M5B
M5E
M5N
M5V
M6A
M6B
M6E
M6H
M6K
M6L
M6M
M6N
M8V
M9A
M9B
M9C
M9L
M9M
M9N
M9P
M9R
M9V
M9W
How to book ?
You need to bring your OHIP card (Ontario Health Card) and they will ask you for the number. This works even if it has expired.
But the best way is to call directly 1-833-943-3900 to book. You will then be asked for your first and last name, zip code and address and will be given a date for the first and second shot. If you get a busy signal, try again and again, your call will eventually go through. It can take more than 30 calls in a row before your call is not rejected. By choosing French as well, you will have less waiting time because fewer people in the area speak the language. Don't worry most of these people speak english as well.
I don't have an OHIP card !
No worries, you have 4 solutions:
Go to a pop-up clinic with a proof of residence (license, rental contract...)
Get information on the website or call the clinics and hospitals closest to your home.
Associations in some areas will help you make the appointments for you if you have difficulties. For more information click here.
Make your OHIP card by making an appointment at Service Ontario. If you bring all your documents, you don't get the card but you are given a social security number to use. I explain in this article the documents you need to obtain this card.
What vaccine ?
Again, you have the right to ask which vaccine you will receive. You will receive either the Moderna/Pfizer or the Astra Zeneca. If the vaccine is not suitable for you, you can simply refuse and ask for a specific one depending on availability.
There is no more appointment available !
If you are unlucky enough to run out of space, you can still look for opportunities to get vaccinated in a walk-in clinic. You will have to wait in line at some locations without being 100% sure to receive a vaccine. A facebook page regularly updates the surplus of vaccines that will be available here soon.
The little tip I can give is also to go to the website of the hospital nearest you. There is usually a number to call to reserve your vaccine for covid.
I hope you get yours! I'll give you a feedback on mine soon! :)
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