Media Statement: Early second doses for more Peel residents best defense against rising Delta variant
With concern due to the Delta variant growing in Peel, shortened second-dose bookings will open Monday for residents aged 70+ and those who received an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine on or before April 18. Appointments will be available at 8:00 am Monday, June 7th in the provincial booking system at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the provincial booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
First doses for anyone 12 and older who has not already booked are available this weekend at Peel clinics. Some pharmacies and primary care providers in the region may offer eligible residents access to their second dose this weekend if supply allows. A summary of current eligibility and how to book second doses is available on the Peel Region website at COVID-19 vaccine – Region of Peel (peelregion.ca)
According to projections from the Ontario Science Table, the Delta variant (B.1617) will replace B.117 as the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Peel in under four weeks. In addition to vaccination, adhering to safe public health practices remains a priority for Peel in reducing transmission of all variants of COVID-19.
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“The Peel community has worked too hard to lose what we have regained to yet another variant. We need to move quickly to provide second doses to residents to stay ahead of the new Delta variant and prevent a fourth wave in Peel, which ultimately helps prevent a fourth wave across Ontario. Two doses of vaccine are our best defense and significantly increase protection from B.1617.” Monica Hau, Associate Medical Officer of Health