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With public vaccination clinics now underway throughout Renfrew County and District (RCD), those booking appointments are being encouraged to ensure that they fall under current eligibility guidelines for receiving the vaccine. If not, they risk being turned away at the clinics.
Those attending clinics will be asked to provide proof of their eligibility (e.g., proof of age, Indigenous status, profession, employment, essential caregiver status, etc.). If it is concluded that the individual is not eligible at this time, they will be unable to receive their vaccine and will be directed to rebook when their population is announced.
Those currently eligible to attend the clinics and receive their first dose of vaccine include:
- Residents who are 80 years of age and older (born in 1941 or earlier).
- Indigenous residents (on and off reserve) who are 55 years of age and older (born in 1966 or earlier).
- Retirement Home Health Care Workers and essential caregivers.
- Long-Term Care Health Care Workers and Essential Caregivers.
- All patient-facing Health Care Workers.
Please note that once a population is announced as being eligible, those individuals remain eligible throughout the duration of the COVID-19 vaccination program. This means that all wishing to receive the vaccine will receive it. There is no chance of “missing” the opportunity.
To register for a vaccination appointment, please visit: www.rcdhu.com or call 613-735-9724 or 1-800-267-1097 extension 200. Residents are asked to only leave one message with their name and phone number, and someone will return their call as soon as possible.
The availability of vaccination appointments will be based on the number of vaccine doses that RCD receives each week. Because of this, people should anticipate that it will take a number of weeks for everyone in the new groupings to be able to book and receive their vaccinations.
Next Priority Groups
After those individuals aged 80 years and above and Indigenous adults aged 55 and over have been vaccinated, the next groups for vaccine eligibility will include all Indigenous adults, adults receiving chronic home care and “High Priority” health care workers, which include community care lower risk exposures (mental health, addictions, developmental services), campus health, daycare/school nursing, dietary, opticians, podiatry, audiology, naturopath, social work, and non-acute rehabilitation such as chiropractic, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychiatry, psychology, massage therapy, acupuncture and public health. All eligible individuals noted above will be notified when they are able to register through various media channels.
While information about specific timing for these next groups is not yet known, please be assured communication will be sent out as soon as it is known. We appreciate your patience.
For more information about RCD’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration program, please monitor social media, local media outlets, and RCDHU’s website (www.rcdhu.com). RCDHU’s website also has a Key Messages document that is regularly updated. Please refrain from calling or emailing hospitals or the clinic sites about vaccine distribution and how to register for an appointment.
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