GTHA Mayors and Chairs encourage all residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible

HAMILTON, ON – Today, Mayors and Chairs from the 11 largest municipal governments across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area held their regular weekly meeting to discuss the ongoing response to COVID-19 across the region.

The Mayors and Chairs are committed to working with the provincial and federal governments to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents across the GTHA. The federal government acquires and supplies COVID-19 vaccine, the provincial government rolls out the vaccine and sets the vaccination framework, and municipalities are committed to doing the on the ground work to get shots in arms. We are ready to ramp up our efforts as supply increases.

Right now, municipalities across the GTHA are focused on working with their hospital and healthcare partners to get residents 80-years-old and older vaccinated. Vaccine supply continues to be an issue which constrains our pace but prospects look brighter provided supply numbers are reliable.

The Mayors and Chairs strongly encourage all residents to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and as vaccine supply allows. We recognize that the overall vaccination effort will take time and hope our residents will continue to be mindful of public health guidance including avoidance of St. Patrick's Day parties later this week.

Following the rules and getting vaccinated will protect you and your loved ones and help us stop COVID-19 so that the entire GTHA can move ahead with a safe reopening.

“It is great news that additional vaccine supply is on the way, however until the majority of our population is vaccinated the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains high. Please think of others and do your part by staying home as much as possible and continue to follow local public health guidelines and safety measures. When the vaccine becomes available to you, I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe, they work, and they will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable populations.”

- Mayor Fred Eisenberger