News Release
June 1, 2021

The City of Toronto and Team Toronto vaccination partners today expect to have administered at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 70 per cent of adults aged 18 years or older in Toronto.

This milestone marks more than 1,778,644 people age 18 years and older having received a first dose of vaccine.

Thanks to a vaccination network of more than 350 partners, which includes the City, Toronto Public Health, hospitals, pharmacies, Ontario Health Teams, Local Health Integration Networks, community clinics, primary care physicians and community groups – Team Toronto is continuing to make great progress in helping to get as many vaccines into arms as quickly as possible.

The Province of Ontario has said vaccination coverage is a key consideration within their COVID-19 reopening plan timelines. As Toronto surpasses 70 per cent first-dose vaccine coverage, there is a need to continue this momentum as reopening plans and the rollout of second doses is set to begin this summer as directed by the Province.

Everyone age 12 years or older is encouraged to book an appointment by clicking the blue “Book a Vaccine” button at the City’s COVID-19 webpage  or through phone by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.

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

For the current wave of COVID-19 in Toronto, amplified by variants of concern, staying home and following public health guidance is the best way to keep everyone safe. Please review the City’s COVID-19: Guide for Residents for public health guidance and information on what is and is not permitted under provincial regulations and City bylaws.

Quotes:

“More than 70 per cent of adults in our city have done the right thing and stepped forward to get their first vaccine dose. I want to thank every member of Team Toronto who are continuing to work to get more residents vaccinated and push our vaccination rates even higher so that we can move forward with a safe reopening. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider getting your shot to help protect yourself and your family and bring this pandemic to an end.”

– Mayor John Tory

“Surpassing 70 per cent of all Toronto adults with a first dose is a huge milestone. We’re not done yet – there’s still much more to do – but the 70 per cent mark represents a big step forward in our Team Toronto efforts to beat this pandemic. Torontonians from every corner of our city are a stepping up in this vaccination campaign. Our task now is to keep pushing to get Toronto fully vaccinated.”

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

“Passing this first-dose vaccination milestone is evidence that Torontonians have confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines and are doing their part in fighting the pandemic. Vaccination is vital to sustaining the downward trends in COVID-19 that we are starting to see in our city. With every dose, Toronto is choosing protection and peace of mind.”

– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“I’m delighted that 70 per cent of adults in Toronto have received at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. When the City of Toronto launched our immunization clinics earlier this year, we were committed to vaccinating as many people in Toronto as quickly as possible in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. By working together with our healthcare partners, we have been able to efficiently get vaccine into 70 per cent of adult arms as quickly as the supply allowed. I am proud of the City and everyone in Team Toronto who have been tirelessly working to help get us to this new milestone.”

– Chief Matthew Pegg, General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management

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 Relations