Ottawans 60 and over now eligible for vaccination

Ottawans age 60 and over arenow eligible to book an appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at one of fourcommunity clinics, the city announced Wednesday.

Anyone born in or before 1961 can now book an appointment through the province's online booking system, or by callingthe provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The city said it will offerappointments at these four vaccination clinics until April 30:

• Nepean Sportsplex
• Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA
• Eva James Memorial Community Centre
• Ottawa City Hall

More vaccination appointments will be available after April 30 "once vaccine deliveries are confirmed," the city said.

The provinceannounced Tuesday it was expanding eligibility criteria. Previously, only those 70 and over were eligible in eastern Ontario.

On Wednesday morning, Ottawa Public Health warned oftechnical problemswith the booking system.

As part of the move toPhase 2 of its three-phase vaccination plan, Ontario has also expanded eligibility to residents with"highest-risk" health problemsincluding multiple sclerosis and certain types of kidney disease, and to organ transplant recipients. Their caregivers are also now eligible for vaccination.

The province said it plans to expand eligibility topeople 50 and overin certain "hot spot"communities, though it hasn't released full details.

In western Quebec, eligibility will be expanded Thursday to include residents 55 and over.