The Ontario government says it's preparing to accelerate its rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to all adults by May 24.
With over four million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expected to arrive in Ontario throughout May, the province anticipates it can open booking eligibility to all adults who want one.
In a release sent out by the province Thursday, Minister of Health Christine Elliott says the plan is to focus on getting vaccines to those most at risk but hopes the steady supply will get more shots into arms.
"With a stable and reliable supply of vaccines on the way, we will continue expanding access to the vaccine in communities across the province, especially those areas that continue to be hit hardest by COVID-19," Elliott said. "The best vaccine remains the first one you're offered, and I strongly encourage everyone to sign up as soon as it’s their turn."
The anticipated outlook based on vaccine deliveries can be seen below:
(Image via @celliottability on Twitter.)
During the weeks of May 3 and May 10, 50 per cent of vaccines will be sent to hot spots, while the other 50 per cent will go to the public health units. The health units can decide to ramp up capacity to target hot spots, whether provincially identified or otherwise.
Starting Friday, people aged 55 and over are eligible to begin booking appointments at mass vaccination sites with their local health unit.
On top of the Pfizer-BioNTech shipments, nearly 400,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine should be delivered the week of May 10.
The province says it's waiting for confirmation of shipments for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
To date, Ontario has administered five million COVID-19 vaccines. Over 4.6 million adults have received at least one dose.