On Friday, May 28, 2021, the province announced that, with 65% of Ontario’s adult population now vaccinated with at least one dose, they would be ramping up vaccination efforts, subject to the sufficient vaccine supply. As a result, all Ontarians 12 and older will be able to receive their second dose of their COVID-19 vaccine sooner than previously expected.
Timeline
The province has released a timeline that outlines when certain individuals who received a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can expect to book their second doses. Eligibility is based on either an individual’s age, or the date on which they received their first dose. Currently, the province’s schedule for second dose eligibility is as follows:
- Week of May 31: Individuals aged 80 and older.
- Week of June 14: Individuals aged 70 and older.
- Week of June 28: Individuals who received their first
dose between the week of March 8 to April 18 on a “first-in, first-out” basis.
- The province has indicated that other groups may be added to this interval, such as individuals with the highest-risk health conditions, and special education workers.
- Week of July 19: Individuals who received their first dose between the week of April 19 to May 9, on a “first-in, first-out” basis.
- Week of August 2: Individuals who received their first dose between the week of May 10 to May 30, on a “first-in, first-out” basis.
- Week of August 9 to 16: Individuals aged 12 to 25.
- Week of August 9: Individuals who received their first dose from the week of May 31 onwards, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. The province has indicated that individuals at this stage could see their second dose as soon as 28 days after their first.
Beginning on May 31, individuals who received a single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be eligible to receive their second dose of AstraZeneca 12 weeks after the day on which they received their first dose. Second doses may be administered after a 10-week interval, with informed consent from the recipient.
As the timeline indicates, the province hopes that everyone 12 and older will have the chance to receive both doses of their COVID-19 vaccine by the end of summer.
Booking Second Doses
Ontario residents will be responsible for booking or rebooking their second dose appointments on the week in which they become eligible. Government officials have confirmed that newly booked appointments will automatically replace previous ones booked through the Provincial system.
Those who prefer to keep their original appointment date for their prebooked second dose may do so. At the moment, the province plans for everyone to receive the same vaccine for each of their doses.
Takeaways for Employers
Employers who are regulated under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 should be aware that they have an obligation to provide their employees with up to three paid days of sick leave for a number of COVID-19 related reasons, including going to receive a vaccine, or experiencing side effects related to their vaccination. You can find more information on this paid leave in the Spring 2021 edition of our In the Know newsletter.
Employers should also bear in mind that until the province indicates otherwise, public health measures such as physical distancing and the wearing of masks will remain in place, regardless of whether any given employee or group of employees have received their second vaccine dose.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.
This information is not intended as legal advice.