Health Unit Expanding Vaccine Eligibility To 40+ In ‘Hot Spots’ Or With ‘At Risk’ Conditions, Child Care Workers

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The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to three new priority groups.

Theresa Marentette, Health Unit CEO and Chief Nursing Officer, explained the three new priority groups that are now eligible to get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at one of the Health Unit’s mass vaccination clinics:

40+ In ‘Hot Spot’ Postal Codes

Adults aged 40 and over living in these ‘hot spot’ postal code areas are now eligible:

• • N8X
  • N8Y
  • N9A
  • N9B
  • N9C
  • N8H
  • N9Y

40+ With ‘At Risk’ Health Conditions

Adults aged 40 and over with ‘at risk’ health conditions including the following are now eligible:

• • Immune deficiencies/autoimmune disorders
  • Stroke/cerebrovascular disease
  • Dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • All other cancers
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Spleen problems (e.g., asplenia)
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension with end organ damage
  • Diagnosis of mental disorder
  • Substance use disorders
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Thalassemia
  • Immunocompromising health conditions

Marentette says those with ‘at risk’ health conditions should consult with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19: Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination to determine eligibility.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health says to be eligible you must be diagnosed with an ‘at risk’ illness and be receiving regular treatment for it.

Licenced Childcare Workers

Licenced childcare workers are now eligible:

• • All licensees, employees, and students on an educational placement who interact directly with children in licensed childcare centres and in authorized recreation and skill building programs.
  • Licensed home childcare and in-home service providers, employees of a home childcare agency and students on an educational placement.
  • Eligible workers in licensed child care settings must bring to their vaccination appointment a letter from their employer verifying their employment status.

For more details and to book an appointment, visit WEVax.ca.