COVID-19 vaccines: Ontario kicks off 'two-dose summer', seniors eligible to book second vaccine starting May 31

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the province is ready for a "two-dose summer," accelerating the time between first and second does of COVID-19 vaccines to as little as four weeks apart.

Ontarians 80 and older will be able to book their second dose appointment on May 31 at 8:00 a.m., followed by individuals 70 and older on June 14.

The province will use a "first-in, first-out" strategy to make appointments available for second doses, dependent on vaccine supply moving forward.

Dates to remember for second-dose vaccine eligibility in Ontario

• Second doses continue to be provided to groups such as long-term care home, retirement home, First Nations Elder Care home residents, high-risk health care workers, essential caregivers, people with health conditions, First Nations, Indigenous, Metis peoples

• May 31: Ages 80+ can sign up for a second dose

• June 14: Ages 70-79 can sign up for a second dose

• June 28: Those who received a first dose between Mar 8 and April 18; those with highest health risk conditions, special education workers

• July 19: Those who received a first dose between April 19 and May 9; those who are 50+, or with high-risk health conditions

• August 2: Those who received a first dose between May 10 and May 30; those who cannot work from home, or have at-risk health conditions

• August 9: Those who received a first dose May 31 and onwards

Anyone eligible for their second dose can go to the same location they received their first shot, or they can book at a different available location through the provincial booking system and pharmacies.

For Ontarians who received their first shot through their local public health unit's booking system, primary care provider or a at a pop-up clinic, the province has stated that "more information will follow on how and when second dose booking and rebooking will be available," but second dose appointments can be made through the provincial system without a first dose appointment.

"Team Ontario has shown what we can do when we have a steady and reliable supply of vaccines," a statement from Ford reads. "Having made so much progress administering first doses, we are now in a position to begin delivering second doses for a two-dose summer.

"If we receive more vaccines from the federal government, we’ll be able to accelerate our rollout further to offer more protection to Ontarians even sooner."

Today, 65 per cent of adults in Ontario have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

People in Ontario, including health experts, have taken to social media to comment on this vaccine administration timeline, with many hoping there would be more clear guidance on the actual booking process, particularly for seniors.