Press Release
RCD
As Renfrew County and District (RCD) continues to receive weekly shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine, the list of those eligible to register for vaccination appointments has now expanded. Those eligible to receive a vaccine now include:
A) Eligible people who can register/book appointment based on availability of vaccine
- All seniors in congregate care residences (who will be vaccinated in-home by mobile vaccination teams).
- Long-Term Care and Retirement Home essential caregivers.
- Indigenous residents (on or off reserve) who are born in 2003 or earlier (18 years of age and older).
- People born in 1941 or earlier (80 years of age and older).
- All health care workers.
- Anyone receiving chronic home care that have been identified by home health care organizations. This group will receive a call notifying them that they are eligible and should book after receiving this call.
B) Eligible people who can register only at this time
- Residents in the general population born between 1942 and 1946 (75 to 79 years of age)
- Faith based leaders who as part of their regular role are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 through close contact with persons and families in the following circumstances:
End of life care.
Care of the deceased, funerals, bathing, or other ceremony with direct contact with deceased persons.
Home visits to unwell persons.
Pastoral care in hospitals/LTC/RHs or other vulnerable settings.
In order to ensure those most vulnerable are prioritized, RCD residents 75 to 79 years of age (born in the years 1942 to 1946) will be able to register but will be unable to book an appointment until the previous priority groups are close to completion. Public messaging regarding booking appointments for this group will follow when appropriate and will begin soon. However, residents on the 75 to 79 years of age registration list may receive calls offering vaccination if extra doses are available at clinics.
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.
Those individuals who are currently eligible can access an online registration system through Renfrew County and District Health Unit’s (RCDHU) website to book appointments or register for an appointment at: www.rcdhu.com.
Individuals are encouraged to ask a family member or friend to assist with online booking if they are unable to do so themselves as this is quicker. 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.
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.
It should be noted that all vaccinations currently taking place are for those receiving their first dose only. All second doses, except for a minority of classifications will be administered 16 weeks after the first. Information about the notification and booking process for second doses is still being developed but will be rolled out as soon as a process is in place. 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. Additional details on vaccination registration and appointments are summarized on the COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Checklist.
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.
