Hamilton’s COVID-19 vaccination program expands to include all Indigenous adults

HAMILTON, ON - In an effort to offer protection to the Indigenous population from COVID-19, and in partnership with local Indigenous organizations, effective immediately, eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in Hamilton is being expanded from Indigenous adults 55 years of age and older to all Indigenous adults.

Any eligible member from the Indigenous population can book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination by calling the Public Health Services COVID-19 Hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7. These are all by-appointment only clinics, walk-ins are not permitted. Due to potential call volumes expected at the call centre, we ask that those who are calling for an appointment are patient and call back if the lines are busy.

Hamilton Public Health Services continues to work with local Indigenous organizations to set up a pop-up vaccination clinic for Indigenous people during the last week of March. Details about the clinic will be available soon.

We need to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, to reserve healthcare and hospital capacity and to protect vulnerable settings like long-term care homes.

Quick Facts

• Vaccination phasing and sequencing will continue to be released for additional categories as per the direction of the provincial government.
• All vaccination planning is based on and contingent on available COVID-19 vaccine supply.
• It is vital that members of the public, even those who have been vaccinated, ensure that public health measures still be practiced until it is safe and said to be safe by the health professionals in all levels of government.  Public health measures include:  
  • stay home if you are feeling unwell
  • get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19
  • limit gatherings to only members of your immediate household
  • maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet or 2 meters from others outside of your immediate household
  • wear a mask or face covering indoors and outdoors when not able to maintain physical distancing
  • wash hands frequently

Additional Resources

• View the Board of Health Presentation – February 19, 2021
• Read more about Ontario’s COVID vaccination program.
• www.hamilton.ca/COVIDvaccines
• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• https://covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]

“Collaborating with Hamilton Public Health Services means we can ensure all eligible members of the Indigenous community have the opportunity to be vaccinated in locations that work for them, whether it’s at a large-scale clinic, through a mobile pop-up clinic in their neighbourhood or in another setting. Booking vaccine appointments for Indigenous adults will ensure they can be part of stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Hamilton and its disproportionate impact on our community.”

– Constance McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre

“Our local vaccination plan speaks to the vital engagement work taking place with representatives of vulnerable and marginalized populations in Hamilton. Working together with Indigenous organizations, this is an important step in the right direction to ensure all Indigenous adults have access to vaccinations to protect their loved ones and help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

– Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, Hamilton Public Health Services