Here's how to book the AstraZeneca vaccine in Ontario if you're 40 or over

Ontario will be giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to even more people starting tomorrow, so be sure to seize the opportunity if you're 40 years of age or older. 

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams announced Sunday that the province is expanding COVID-19 vaccination eligibility at pharmacies and primary care settings starting Tuesday, April 20, to allow for people aged 40 and up to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

As of April 20, Ontarians aged 40+ can receive the AstraZeneca #COVID19 vaccine at pharmacy or primary care settings. All Health Canada approved vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and your loved ones.

Sign up when it's your turn! https://t.co/FAYpWphFDs pic.twitter.com/c2wIxWkHw0

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) April 19, 2021

"By extending vaccination eligibility for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies and primary care settings to individuals aged 40 and over, Ontario will be able to offer the protection of the vaccine to more Ontarians earlier than anticipated," reads a statement from the province about the change. 

"With supply of AstraZeneca available at this time, the expansion of eligibility will also significantly increase access to vaccines in hot spot communities."

Up until recently, Health Canada had only been recommending the use of AstraZeneca for those aged 55 and up due to a select few cases of very rare blood clots reported among those who'd received the vaccine.

Last week, however, based on the review of available data from Europe and the U.K., Health Canada announced that it was not restricting the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in any specific populations at this time.

It has also been reported that COVID-19 patients are much more likely to suffer a blood clot than those who receive the vaccine. 

In other words, AstraZeneca has been deemed safe, and the official recommendation remains to accept whichever vaccine you are offered as soon as possible. 

[ON] 40+ FOR ALL OF ONTARIO!

We are hearing MANY reports that Walmart, Shoppers, Pharma Save, and other pharmacies ARE BOOKING shots for 40+ starting TUESDAY. Check their WEBSITES and PHONE THEM!

We won't stop till every shot is done! #COVID19 #COVID19Vaccine #COVID19ON #vhcON

— Vaccine Hunters Canada (@VaxHuntersCan) April 19, 2021

Those of you who are 40 years of age or older and are looking to take this advice will have to use the province's pharmacy locator to find a location near you that's administering vaccines.

With 1,409 Ontario pharmacies providing this service, entering your postal code into the government website will help you find the location closest to your home.

You can then contact a nearby participating pharmacy to book an appointment, and don't forget that you must have an appointment to get vaccinated at a pharmacy.

On the day of your appointment, you're required to bring either a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card or another form of valid government-issued identification, and you must also wear a mask.

It's no secret that Ontario's vaccination rollout has been nothing short of confusing and chaotic, but it's an undeniably good day for the province when even more residents are eligible to receive the vaccine — bringing us one step closer to the end of this deadly pandemic.