Strong uptake combined with increasing supply and the start of vaccination in local pharmacies have led the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those aged 65 and older.

Starting today, anyone born in 1956 or earlier can book an appointment to get their first dose of vaccine. The decision to invite a wider population to get vaccinated comes just over a week after the vaccine was made available to those 70 years of age and older.

Expanding vaccine eligibility to those over the age of 65 who live in the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health regions aligns with the Province’s goal of delivering the vaccine that is on hand as quickly as possible.

“We are happy to be able to open to this new group and will open to additional groups as soon as we have capacity to do so,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Our goal remains to get the vaccine into the arms of those who want it as quickly as we can.”

“The inclusion of pharmacy is an important step to expanding our local vaccination efforts and reach more people,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health. Last week, Southwestern Public Health also launched a local COVID-19 Vaccine Help List to assist those aged 75 and older with appointment booking. “Please be assured that no one will be left behind as we move down the age-related criteria.”

Those born in 1956 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.

Filed under: covid 19, southwestern public health, update, vaccine