Team Toronto vaccination partners now completing in-home second doses of COVID-19 vaccine for homebound residents

Following the Homebound Sprint to complete first doses, the team is now focused on second dose vaccinations for vulnerable homebound Torontonians in their place of residence, in many cases also vaccinating the resident’s essential caregiver at the same time. While it is still the early days of administering second doses, the team is working toward the citywide goal of second doses to all homebound residents in the next six to eight weeks to protect vulnerable people and the wider community against COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

People 12 years of age or older who live in Toronto and cannot physically leave their home to receive the vaccine for medical, physical, cognitive or psychosocial reasons are eligible for in-home vaccination. More than 7,000 Torontonians were identified for in-home vaccination during the initial registration and have now received a first dose.

Team Toronto partners leading the homebound initiative are Toronto Paramedic Services, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto Public Health and Home and Community Services. Local homebound sprint partners, including Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (OHT), East Toronto Health Partners, Mid-West Toronto OHT, North Toronto OHT, North York Toronto Health Partners, North Western Toronto OHT, Sinai Health, Scarborough Health Network, Sprint Senior Care, Toronto Western Family Health Team and West Toronto OHT are also helping to ensure all identified residents receive a vaccination.

Homebound vaccination is a complex operation, requiring significant logistical coordination to ensure all vaccines get into arms in a timely manner. The limited time that the vaccine can be out of freezers is just one factor that adds to the complexity of this operation. The “Homebound Sprint” builds on work started in March by Toronto Paramedics, with the support of UHN and Local Integrated Health Networks, to vaccinate homebound Torontonians. The City is proud of Toronto Paramedics and all Team Toronto partners for their work to ensure no one in the city who wishes to be vaccinated is left behind.

Anyone with questions about homebound vaccination should speak with their primary care or homecare service provider. Homebound individuals not linked with either a primary or homecare provider, can call the Toronto Seniors Helpline by phone at 416-217-2077 or online: torontoseniorshelpline.ca/web-chat . The helpline is available to support homebound adults and seniors to determine eligibility for an in-home COVID-19 vaccination. The helpline can also assist those who are able to leave their homes for vaccinations with information regarding transportation options or with booking an appointment at a City-run immunization clinic.

Vaccination for everyone age 12 and older is available at City-run immunization clinics. Appointments can be booked by residents through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900. Those seeking a vaccine appointment can also register and check availability with healthcare partners through vaccineto.ca , local pharmacies or healthcare providers.

To easily connect to resources including vaccine appointment bookings, information on vaccines and upcoming telephone town halls, Toronto residents can text “VACCINE” to 1-833-750-0888 or 833-750-0888 for more information.

Quotes:

“Thank you to our paramedics and all our healthcare partners who are going home to home administering vaccine doses to some of our most vulnerable residents. This complex work takes time and care but they have ensured that first doses have been delivered and are now undertaking the important task of providing the necessary second dose to our homebound residents. I know Toronto Paramedic Services is working with our healthcare partners to get this done as quickly as possible.”

– Mayor John Tory

“Our Team Toronto approach is about breaking down barriers to vaccination, and meeting people where they are at. For people who cannot leave their homes, Toronto Paramedics, Toronto Public Health, Ontario Health Team partners, and community organizations worked together to administer first doses to more than 7,000 Torontonians who have been identified as home-bound. We are now scaling up efforts to administer second doses to homebound residents, and to continue providing first doses to every resident of our city who still needs one.”

– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health

“I appreciate the efforts of all Toronto vaccination partners to reach Toronto residents who are homebound. While this work takes time, our partners have worked quickly and efficiently, and will continue to do so until every homebound client is fully vaccinated.”

– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“Toronto Paramedic Services is proud to be part of this vital initiative to help homebound and vulnerable residents overcome barriers that may prevent them from being vaccinated. The ‘Homebound Sprint’ ensures that these residents have access to vaccinations and supports the recovery of the communities we serve to bring an end to the pandemic.”

– Chief Gord McEachen, Toronto Paramedic Services

“Homebound patients are some of our most vulnerable citizens and they continue to be a priority for our Sprint efforts. We have learned quickly and built up our capacity from Dose 1. We are full steam ahead, seven days a week, to ensure all are fully vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

– Shiran Isaacksz, Vice-President, UHN Connected Care and Altum Health