The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those aged 60 and older starting Tuesday morning. Anyone born in 1961 or earlier will be able to book an appointment to get their first dose of vaccine, as of 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. The decision to expand eligibility to those age 60 and older comes a week after first-dose appointments were extended to those 65 years of age and older.

Expanding vaccine eligibility to those over the age of 60 who live in the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health regions aligns with Phase Two of the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution plan, which focuses on age and at-risk populations, in order to prevent transmission of the virus, as well as related hospitalizations and deaths.

“We continue to try to expand eligibility to additional age groups, as we continue to ensure that the vaccine we have on hand is put into arms as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “In addition to opening the booking system to those born in 1961 or earlier, we will also be booking vaccine appointments within a four-week window tomorrow, so we expect there will be many appointments available.”

“Cases are rising dramatically across the province and within our own region. Our goal is to expand access so that as many people as possible are protected with a first dose. Patience will be required as demand does exceed supply right now. And compliance with the provincial Stay at Home order is absolutely critical at this time,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health.

Those born in 1961 or earlier are urged to book appointments online at www.covidvaccinelm.ca. While phone bookings are available, they are not recommended due the very high volume of calls that is expected, which will make booking a challenge. Anyone unable to book an appointment through the website can call 226-289-3560. Please note that the services of an Indigenous vaccinator are available at the Agriplex Clinic Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit

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