TORONTO — The Ontario government is
helping vulnerable Ontarians get safe and reliable access to COVID-19
vaccines and booster shots by extending the Accessible Drive to Vaccines
program to March 31, 2022.
This investment of $3.7
million will help people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility
issues, get transportation to and from vaccination sites. Children aged 5 to
11 with disabilities or mobility issues, along with their parent or
caregiver, are also eligible for this initiative.
Accessible
Drive to Vaccines is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Community
Support Association. The program connects eligible individuals with rides to
vaccination sites across the province, provided by staff and volunteers who
will pick them up and take them home after their vaccine appointment.
“Our government is
supporting Ontarians who may have trouble getting to a vaccination site due
to mobility issues and lack of accessible transportation,” said Raymond Cho,
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Extending this program will mean
more people can get their vaccinations and boosters, providing greater
protection from COVID-19 to all Ontarians.”
The Accessible Drive to
Vaccines program prioritizes people who cannot get to vaccine sites through
transportation from family members, neighbours or community organizations.
“Our community support
service providers have been providing safe, reliable rides to vaccination
sites for vulnerable people from the start,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the
Ontario Community Support Association. “This funding ensures they can
continue to provide this vital support, and extends the reach of these
important community programs so that people can continue to get vaccinated
and stay healthy and protected in this pandemic.”
All Ontarians over age 18
are eligible for COVID-19 booster shots three months after their second dose.
Vaccinations and boosters are vital tools in Ontario’s fight against the
pandemic.
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