COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the EOHU Region

The Eastern Ontario Heath Unit (EOHU) is committed to working with community and municipal partners to provide information about the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan and ensure it meets the needs of our community. With the vaccine supply stabilizing in the coming weeks, we will be working hard to increase access to the vaccine. As the vaccine becomes available to population groups, we will ensure the community is informed.

With the completion of first doses for residents in Long-Term Care Homes and High-Risk Retirement Homes, we plan to move on to the following priority groups over the next few weeks, depending on vaccine supply and further provincial direction.

• Residents (second doses), staff, and essential caregivers of long-term care, high-risk retirement homes, and any residents of these settings that have not yet received a first dose of vaccine
• Alternative level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home or other congregate care home for seniors
• Highest priority health care workers followed by very high priority health care workers in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on health care worker prioritization
• Indigenous adults in higher risk communities (including on-reserve and urban communities)
• Residents, staff, and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors (e.g., assisted living)
• Adults 80 years of age and older
• Health care workers in the high priority level, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on health care workers prioritization
• All Indigenous adults
• Adult recipients of chronic home care

To help the public know what to expect, the EOHU is committed to providing information as soon as we have it. We will continue to update our website to list which population groups are eligible to receive the vaccine. Instructions on how to book appointments and what to expect will be made known on the website, social media, local radio and newspaper, as well as by community and municipal partners.

Four types of clinics will be activated. Clinics operations will be a combined effort between the EOHU, health care providers, community, and municipal partners. Without this support, these clinics would not be possible.

• Mobile clinics allow vaccines to be administered where specific populations work, congregate or live.
• Mass clinics allow vaccines to be administered by appointment at a public venue such as arenas, schools and community halls.
• Drive through clinics allow vaccines to be administered to clients at their vehicle window.
• Fixed site clinics allow vaccines to be administered at specific providers such as the EOHU, pharmacies, physicians, community health centres or hospitals.

For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.EOHU.ca/vaccines.