Ontario Has Announced Who Is Eligible For Vaccines As Of March 2021

The provincial government has clarified who can get their first dose of a vaccine in Ontario during Phase 2 of their distribution plan, which is expected to run from March to July 2021.

Seniors aged 80 or older, individuals with high-risk chronic conditions, and front-line essential workers like teachers, first responders, and people working in food processing, have all been named as early eligible recipients for doses of the vaccine.

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March to July 2021 The time frame for Phase 2 of Ontario's vaccine plan

People who live and work in high-risk congregate settings like shelters, group homes, or correctional facilities are also eligible in Phase 2 of the plan.

By the time the second phase is over, the government says they are preparing to have immunized 8.5 million people.

The first phase of the distribution plan is running right now, and it includes vaccinating frontline health workers and residents of long-term care homes.

Because the province only receives vaccine doses in batches, the Ontario government is narrowing down who is eligible for vaccination before Phase 3, potentially starting in August 2021, when the "general population" can get their doses.

"We are prepared for the next phase in our vaccine distribution plan, but with limited supplies, our focus will be on vaccinating our seniors and frontline essential workers," said Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health, in the province's press release announcing the news.

In a press conference announcing the release, Doug Ford said over 150,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered.