With an increasing amount of COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination efforts going well for those between the ages of 75 and 79, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health will expand the list of those who can receive the vaccine to include all those 70 years of age and older. The expanded eligibility comes into effect immediately.

The Government of Ontario has released data which shows that as of Saturday, more than 75% of Ontarians over the age of 80 had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than a third of those between the ages of 75 and 79 had also received their first shot, setting the stage for many communities to open vaccination appointments to those aged 70-74.

“Our priority has been to get the vaccine into arms as quickly as we can and with a growing number of those over the age of 75 having received their first dose, the time is right to invite those who are between the ages of 70 and 74 to make their appointments,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We know the demand for the vaccine appointments will be high, so we encourage people to book online and to keep checking each morning if they aren’t able to book an appointment right away.”

“Our older adults are most susceptible to severe illness and hospitalization as a result of COVID-19,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health. “With the rise of cases, including cases of the variants of concern, it is important that we expand access to all of those over the age of 70.”

In London and Middlesex County, as well as Oxford County, Elgin County and St. Thomas, residents born in 1951 or earlier are strongly encouraged to book an appointment online at www.covidvaccinelm.ca. While some appointments will be available by phone, phone bookings are discouraged because of the very high volume of calls that make it difficult to get through. Those who are not able to book through the website can call 226-289-3560.

Media Contacts:

Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0570

Megan Cornwell, Manager of Communications, Southwestern Public Health, 519-320-0819

Spokespeople:

Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit

Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health, Southwestern Public Health