The plan is to begin with shelters at the highest risk of outbreaks and will continue the rollout as more doses arrive in Toronto.

Street nurse Cathy Crowe says there are more than 40 positive cases at two shelters.

But advocates for older people, including the Zoomers’ Group CARP are wondering why residents 80 and older and most at risk of being hospitalized or dying from COVID 19 aren’t the bigger priority.

Toronto Board of Health Chair Joe Cressy explains it’s good policy.

”With variants of concern circulating and at a higher risk for transmission in congregate sites, when we protect the most vulnerable, we protect all of us because we stop outbreaks from spreading throughout the city,” says Cressy. 

For now though in Toronto, it will be in the third week of March for the 80+ group, unless more doses of the vaccine arrive earlier.

Some parts of the province are beginning the process of vaccinating older residents sooner. 

In Peel Region, some residents 80+ are being contacted to book vaccination appointments through William Osler Health System and Trillium Health Partners.

In York Region, those 80+ will be able to book an appointment starting today.

And in Hamilton, COVID-19 shots will be administered to residents 85+ starting this week.

Both York and Hamilton are reporting technical issues with their booking systems due to demand.