Nearly a quarter of residents vaccinated; everyone over 16 can now pre-register

GUELPH – Nearly a quarter of eligible residents in the region have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination - and public health is now inviting everyone over the age of 16 to pre-register for their first shot.

On April 12 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) issued a statement saying that sometime the next day the unit would reach the 25%-vaccinated milestone.

“This is something to celebrate,” stated Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health, in a press release.

“Public health and all local vaccination partners continue to work aggressively toward vaccinating our region as quickly as possible.”

With a goal of vaccinating at least 75% of residents by June 2021, public health has announced it is entering phase three of the province's vaccination plan, which means all residents aged 16 and over can now pre-register for an appointment.

Local vaccinations follow the province’s vaccination framework, which means "many residents who are Phase 3 eligible will likely not be vaccinated until June," officials explained.

However, they stressed that pre-registering is still the best way for residents to ensure they receive a vaccine as soon as it's their turn.

“Now that all of us can pre-register for a vaccine appointment, I encourage everyone to do so as soon as possible,” said Dr. Mercer.

“Safe, effective vaccines are our best way to fight COVID-19, protect our region and move back toward a more familiar way of life.”

For more information on pre-registering visit wdgpublichealth.ca/register.

The province had previously suggested those in phase three of the vaccination plan would not be vaccinated until July. For more details on the Ontario plan, visit the province's website.