York Region rolling out COVID-19 vaccine to ages 65+ as of March 31

Beginning tomorrow, York Region residents aged 65 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

As of March 31 at 8:30 a.m., residents born in 1956 or earlier can book appointments on york.ca/COVID19Vaccine at one of seven vaccination centres, including the Ray Twinney Complex in Newmarket, according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

Approximately 15,000 new vaccine appointments will open, and more will be offered as supplies of the vaccine become available, Casey said.

Clinic dates and times vary for each location listed below:

• Aaniin Community Centre in Markham, operated by York Region Public Health 
• Canada’s Wonderland (drive-thru) in Vaughan, operated by York Region Public Health 
• Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, operated by Mackenzie Health
• Georgina Ice Palace, operated by York Region Public Health
• Maple Community Centre in Vaughan, operated by York Region Public Health
• Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket, operated by Southlake Regional Health Centre
• Richmond Green Sports Centre in Richmond Hill, operated by York Region Public Health.

The vaccination clinic at Cornell Community Centre in Markham, operated by Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team, continues to book appointments for residents 70 years of age and older, Casey said.

As of March 29, vaccinated York Region residents include: 78 per cent of 80 years of age and older; 61.2 per cent 75 to 79 of years of age; and 23.2 per cent of 70 to 74 years of age. 

Priority groups for the vaccines are identified in the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to the following:

• York Region residents 65 years of age and older (born in 1956 or earlier), with the exception of the Cornell Community Centre
• Highest, very high and high priority health care workers as identified in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Work Prioritization who work or live in York Region
• Staff, essential caregivers and any residents that have not yet received a first dose in long-term care homes, retirement homes and First Nations elder care homes
• 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
• Staff, residents and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors
• Indigenous adults and members of their households
• Adults with a chronic condition receiving home care services and who live in York Region (appropriate documentation will be required)
• Eligible adult recipients of chronic home care 
• Faith leaders who live or work in York Region and provide end of life care, care of the deceased, care of those who are unwell or provides pastoral services in vulnerable settings

Appointments are required. Walk-in appointments are not available.

As a result of no-shows and cancelled appointments, additional vaccine supply may become available and a small number of appointments may appear through the online booking systems. Residents are encouraged to check back often for appointments that may become available, Casey said.