Age lowered to 40-plus for AstraZeneca vaccine

TORONTO — The province of Ontario has now lowered the age of eligibility to receive the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine to anyone 40 or older.

Effective yesterday (Tuesday), anyone 40 or over in Ontario can now call a local participating pharmacy and book an appointment for the shot.

The news comes as a welcome relief to many who have been patiently waiting to receive any of the vaccines.

AstraZeneca has come under fire for problems with rare blood clot complications, but Health Canada has said that the risk is far outweighed by the benefit of accepting the first vaccine you are offered.

Earlier in the month, officials had lowered the age limit to 55-plus and after a luke-warm turnout across the province, they have now opened it up to the younger set, hoping to fill those appointments.

Health officials urge citizens to get the first vaccine that is made available to them, regardless of the brand.

You can now call your local pharmacy to book an appointment.

If you live in Windsor-Essex, you can visit WEvax.ca for more information.

If you are in Chatham-Kent, visit getyourshotck.ca.