Highest-risk individuals with health conditions & an essential caregiver can book COVID vaccination

From the Niagara Region

As we work toward protecting the most vulnerable members in our community against COVID-19, Niagara residents who meet the highest-risk health conditions criteria, as well as their essential caregiver, can book a vaccine appointment by calling the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Patient Eligibility

Individuals with the following highest-risk health conditions are eligible

Organ transplant recipients (including patients waitlisted for transplant)
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
People with neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis)
Haematological malignancy diagnosed less than one year ago
Kidney disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) under 30

These patients are eligible to have one essential caregiver vaccinated at the time they receive their first dose. Caregivers’ first dose appointment should be booked at the same time as the eligible highest-risk individual.

Second Dose Interval Exceptions

The province has also announced some exceptions to the 16-week interval between the first and second vaccine dose. Second dose interval exceptions include individuals

With malignant hematologic disorder receiving active treatment (specifically chemotherapy, targeted therapies of immunotherapy)
With non-hematologic malignant solid tumor receiving active treatment (specifically chemotherapy, targeted therapies of immunotherapy)
Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplants and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)

Second dose intervals can vary, depending on which vaccine is received. The timing of the second dose will be based on the type of vaccine received at the first dose appointment.

Those eligible for the interval exception, and receiving their first dose, will need to present a letter of confirmation from their clinician at their first and second dose appointments. Residents who are eligible for the interval exception and have already received a first dose must contact the hospital, pharmacy, or Public Health Unit where they received their first dose to arrange their second dose at the shorter interval. They will be required to present their letter at the time of their second dose.

It is important to note that essential caregivers will not be eligible for the shortened second dose interval.

For additional information about COVID-19 and Public Health vaccination efforts, visit our vaccination webpage.