Child care workers in licensed settings eligible to book COVID-19 vaccine

Child care workers employed in a licensed child-care setting will be able to book a COVID-19 vaccine starting Thursday.

Workers in Halton and Niagara were already able to book a shot.

The province made the announcement on Tuesday, while also expanding vaccine booking in hot spots to people 45 and older.

The City of Hamilton went a step further, lowering eligibility in its five hot spot postal codes to 40 and older.

READ MORE: Ontario expands vaccine booking in hot spots to 45+ and some child care workers

Workers can call into the provincial vaccine booking number (1-833-943-3900).

The province says eligible workers will receive a letter from their employer, which will be needed at the point of booking and taken to the appointment.

Daycare workers had been pushing to be prioritized for a shot, noting that they worked closely with young children who don’t wear masks.

The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care said the change in eligibility will be a relief for many workers.

“It’s a smart move to prioritize them,” said Carolyn Ferns, public policy and government relations coordinator for the group.

The government says those working in unlicensed settings will be able to set up appointments in the coming weeks.