The province has declared Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit one of three new COVID-19 delta variant hotspots in Ontario, which will increase the region’s vaccination allotment.
It also means people living in the region will be able to accelerate their second dose vaccination appointments.
The Health Unit also covers Huntsville.
Anyone living in a delta hotspot health unit who received their first dose on or before May 30 can rebook their second dose for an earlier appointment time (as available) starting June 23 using the province’s online booking system.
These accelerated appointment booking options are for adults aged 18 and over living in hot spot regions only.
As of today, those regions include Simcoe-Muskoka, Durham, Hamilton, York, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, Waterloo, Toronto, Porcupine, Peel, and Halton health units.
Starting Monday, June 21, all Ontarians who received one dose of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) on or before May 9 have the option to rebook a second dose appointment sooner than their original booking.
As of June 17, the Ontario Science Advisory Table reported a reproductive number of 1.23 for the COVID-19 delta variant. This means every one person infected with the variant spreads it to 1.23 other people. It is estimated to be the strain responsible for 45.9 per cent of the province's cases.
As of yesterday, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit had confirmed 15 cases of the COVID-19 delta variant (also known as B.1.617.2). This is the same COVID-19 variant that has been widespread in India.
The health unit's immunizations team said they were not told about the delta hotspot designation for Simcoe-Muskoka prior to today.
"We are reaching out to our provincial colleagues to have more information on further details and next steps," wrote the health unit in an email statement. "We will be expanding the availability of appointments in our community clinics. We look forward to accelerating second doses for everyone as quickly as possible."
For those living outside of hot spots, accelerated second dose appointments will open up gradually starting on June 28, with eligible groups determined by the province.
Ontario Health Minister and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott said those dates and sequences are to be confirmed.
Youth second dose appointments are still to be determined.
The science table reported as of yesterday 74.5 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19. Approximately 18 per cent of the 12-and-over population has received two doses.
According to the province, there will be about 7.9 million doses of COVID vaccine delivered to Canada in June.
Ontario anticipates receiving between 938,000 and 939,500 doses of Pfizer vaccines every week in June, and about 3.5 million doses of Pfizer in July.
The province also expects 1.1 million doses of Moderna this week, and another 2.1 million doses next week.
This does not include any of the additional one million Moderna doses promised to Canada from the US.
The province’s vaccine task force and Health Minister Christine Elliott encouraged Ontario residents to get the second dose of COVID vaccine that is available first.
"The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has confirmed that a mixed vaccine schedule is safe and effective," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones during an announcement this morning.
Those who have had a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their first dose can get either one for their second dose.
Those who received one dose of AstraZeneca, can have either Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca vaccines for their second dose.
According to the province, all vaccines provided in Ontario provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
To book an appointment or accelerate your second dose appointment via the province's online booking system, click here, or call 1-833-943-3900.
