Dr. Ronald Lavigne receives vaccine from nurse Sue McLaughlin at a Renfrew Victoria Hospital clinic.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is expanding pre-registration eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to include those with certain at-risk health conditions.
Eligible people who can pre-register only at this time (but not book an appointment yet) include:
A) Residents in the general population born between 1957 and 1961 (60 to 64 years of age).
B) Residents with at-risk health conditions including: pregnancy, immune deficiencies/autoimmune disorders, stroke/cerebrovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, liver disease, all other cancers, respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD and asthma), spleen problems (e.g., asplenia), heart disease, hypertension with end organ damage, diagnosis of mental disorder, substance use disorders, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, immunocompromising health conditions, other disabilities requiring direct support care in the community. Proof of illness is not required.
Eligible people who can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment based on availability
- All residents and staff of congregate living facilities.
- Long-Term Care and Retirement Home essential caregivers.
- Indigenous residents (on or off reserve) who are 18 years of age and older.
- Faith based leaders who, as part of their role, provide end of life care, care of the deceased, home visits to unwell persons, or pastoral care in LTC/RHs or other vulnerable settings.
- People born in 1956 or earlier (65 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.
- Education staff supporting students with complex special education needs.
- Residents with the following high-risk health conditions and one essential caregiver for those in the high-risk health condition group: Organ transplant recipients, Stem cell transplant recipients, Neurological diseases in which breathing function may be impacted (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, acquired brain injury), Haematological malignancy (acute lymphocytic (ALL), chronic lymphocytic (CLL), acute myeloid (AML), chronic myeloid (CML)), myeloma, and lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s (NHL)), Kidney disease eGFR< 30, Obesity (BMI > 40), Treatments causing immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy, immunity- weakening medications such as long-term steroid treatment rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), and Intellectual or developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome).
- Residents 40 years of age and older in 2021 are eligible to book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine at RCD’s public clinics in addition to participating pharmacies.
