News Release
June 23, 2021

The Team Toronto Sprint Strategy 2.0 continues to deliver first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines in neighbourhoods with a high incidence of COVID-19, low vaccine coverage, and where the Delta variant has been identified. Based on Toronto Public Health data, the Team Toronto Sprint Strategy 2.0 began by concentrating on 18 hot spot postal codes. The Sprint Strategy 2.0 has now expanded to include four new postal codes to increase dose one vaccine uptake, and to provide the additional effectiveness of a second dose against the emerging Delta variant. The new postal codes include:

  • M9R: Northwest Toronto
  • M2R: North York
  • M1R: Scarborough
  • M1K: Scarborough

In the first two weeks of the Sprint Strategy 2.0, the M1G postal code in Scarborough saw the highest dose one coverage among the Sprint postal codes, with 76.8 per cent of adults who have received at least one dose. On average, the 22 Sprint Strategy 2.0 postal codes had a 1.3 percentage point increase in dose one coverage among those 18 years of age or older over last week. By comparison, the rest of Toronto – excluding the Sprint Strategy 2.0 postal codes – had a 1.1 percentage point increase in dose one coverage to 70.9 per cent among those 18 years or older during the same week.

There were also significant improvements in second dose coverage through the Sprint Strategy 2.0 last week. The M1G postal code in Scarborough saw the highest dose two coverage among the Sprint postal codes, with 35.9 per cent of people 18 years of age or older over the last week. On average, the 22 Sprint Strategy 2.0 postal codes had an 11 percentage point increase in dose two coverage among adults over the last week. The average of dose two coverage of the 22 Sprint Strategy 2.0 postal codes is 28.3 per cent among those over 18 years of age. This is compared to 28.1 per cent in postal codes in the rest of Toronto – excluding the Sprint Strategy 2.0 postal codes.

All adults in the 22 neighbourhoods who have not yet received a first dose of vaccine are encouraged to receive one. In addition, all individuals who live, work or attend school in one of the Sprint Strategy 2.0 neighbourhoods and have received a first dose of vaccine, will be able to receive a second dose at the appropriate minimum interval following federal and provincial frameworks.

Hospital and community partners intentionally promote community clinics only to the specific neighbourhoods that the clinic is meant to serve. Clinics are brought to the attention of eligible local residents directly through primary care physicians like family doctors, employers, building managers, faith leaders and other local leaders, who are directly connected with the people who the community clinics will serve. It is usually not possible to book an appointment online or by phone for a pop-up or mobile clinic. Team Toronto partners will be using a variety of methods to manage lines efficiently and effectively and to prioritize vaccine recipients. Residents are encouraged to bring water and dress for the weather.

Quotes:

“The Sprint Strategy 2.0 is making sure we get COVID-19 vaccines – first and second doses – to people in neighbourhoods in the city where we know these shots are needed and will make a major difference in our fight against the virus and the Delta variant. Thank you to Toronto Public Health and all our healthcare partners for following the data and working to make sure we get vaccines to everyone across our city.”

– Mayor John Tory

“The Team Toronto Sprint Strategy is about getting vaccines to people at the greatest risk, as fast as possible. With Sprint Strategy 2.0, Team Toronto is boosting first dose and second dose coverage in areas of our city at greatest risk of the Delta variant, but we must continue to scale up. By adding four more targeted postal code areas to our efforts, we can get more shots in arms quickly, and get more people fully vaccinated across our city.”

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

“We have come a long way in a short period of time because so many residents have done the wise thing and protected themselves and their communities through vaccination. The Sprint Strategy 2.0 ensures every resident in every part of Toronto has an opportunity to receive a vaccine quickly and effectively.”

– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Toronto Public Health Media Relations, tphmedia@toronto.ca