Press Release
Carolyn Levesque Pembroke Regional Hospital
Exciting news! With confirmation that regular weekly shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine will be coming to Renfrew County and District (RCD), the list of those eligible for vaccination will now be expanded to include the next priority groups as outlined by the province.
These priority groups include:
- Retirement Home residents (who will be vaccinated in-home by mobile vaccination teams).
- Retirement Home essential caregivers.
- Residents in the general population who are 80 years of age and older.
- Indigenous residents (on or off reserve) who are 55 years of age and older.
Please note that 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.
To facilitate this, an online registration system for vaccination appointments has now been launched. You can access the system through Renfrew County and District Health Unit’s (RCDHU) website at: www.rcdhu.com.
Those individuals who are currently eligible for vaccination can visit RCDHU’s website to register online as this is often quicker. Individuals are encouraged to ask a family member or friend to assist if they are unable to do so themselves. If a person is unable to register online, they can call RCDHU at 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.
Those who register for a vaccination appointment will receive an email with a link to book into one of RCD’s upcoming vaccination clinics (located in Pembroke, Deep River, Arnprior, Renfrew and Barry’s Bay) ONLY when openings become available. Those who have registered who do not have email will receive a phone call when openings become available.
Both registration systems will also be available for individuals in groupings such as health care workers who haven’t yet received their vaccine but are already eligible to do so.
Everyone registering for a vaccination appointment will be asked to identify how they are eligible to receive the vaccine. This can include proof of employment such as ID badge, letter from employer, status card, etc.
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 Frequently Asked Question documents that are regularly being updated about vaccine distribution. Please refrain from calling or emailing hospitals or the clinic sites about vaccine distribution and how to register for an appointment.
People should, however, contact their primary care provider if they have questions about their personal health status before they receive the vaccine. Alternatively, those without a primary care provider can contact the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) (1-844-727-6404) to consult with a family physician. VTAC has advised that the best time to reach them is in the afternoon and evening.
Additional Information:
Details Specific To Vaccination Registration/Appointments For Those Aged 80 And Over
If you need assistance registering online for your appointment, you are encouraged to have a family member, neighbour, or friend do it on your behalf. In the interim you may also reach out to your primary care provider for assistance.
Please bring your list of current medications.
Please bring assistive devices if needed (e.g., scooter, wheelchair, cane).
Please bring reading glasses and/or hearing aid if required.
Where necessary, one support person will be able to accompany those being vaccinated (e.g., mobility, hearing or visual support). Your support person will not be eligible to receive the vaccine unless they fall into a category for eligibility and have registered for their own appointment.
Individuals will also be required to show their Ontario Health Card or other document to verify their age at their appointment.
Details Specific To Vaccination Registration/Appointments For Indigenous Residents Aged 55 And Over
Individuals are required to show their Ontario Health Card or other document to verify their age at their appointment.
Individuals will be required to show documentation for Proof of Indigenous Identity. Acceptable documents include:
Government Issued Indian Status Card and non-government issued Indigenous Association Status Card
Inuit Beneficiary Card
Métis Card
60s Scoop Acceptance Letter
General Vaccination Booking Information
COVID positive patients or patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms are not able to get the vaccine.
Please ensure you complete, print and bring the COVID-19 consent form to your appointment.
You are encouraged to speak with your primary care provider before receiving the vaccine if you answer “Yes” to any of the questions on the consent form.
Individuals such as health care workers will be required to show proof of employment such as ID badge, letter from employer etc.
