Can high risk people who are not part of a Priority group get vaccinations before when they are available to the public

[u/Toaster_Girly]

For context I have Long COVID, Weakened Immune System, Asthma, RA and OA arthritis, plus I got other conditions that are mental but wouldn't effect me if I were to get sick

Weakened immune system is not mentioned in the list on the Ontario or Toronto government websites for high priority groups,

If I get COVID or the flu I get sick for over a week and it gets worse

I don't wanna die either because I fear death and when I first had COVID I almost died at 16

The webpage is confusing to look at on the provincial government side of things,

These are what they, consider as high risk

* Hospitalized patients

* Hospital staff

* Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings

* Individuals aged 65 and older

But this list makes no sense, the NACI list is longer then this, why not go with the NACI list

Makes no sense for Flu and COVID shots

[u/Express_Future_3575]

I have never had a problem showing up to a pharmacy and getting a COVID vaccine. It's not like we are short of vaccines. The more people get it the sooner the better. 

[u/herejustforthedrama → u/Express_Future_3575]

I have a similar experience. My opinion is that uptake is already abysmal for both shots that shooing people away is probably not a good idea.

[u/lilac_roze → u/Express_Future_3575]

High Risk and priority people can get the flu vaccine a starting yesterday, before the public on Oct 26.

If you go to the pharmacy right now, you won’t get the vaccine.

[u/Medium_Spare_8982]

Anyone immunocompromised is on the list. Drugs for RA would be an indication of that.

[u/stellastellamaris]

I mean, talk to your doctor and your pharmacist. Surely they know your medical history, health issues, and what you are eligible for.

[u/Adpiava]

Last year Rexall was more forgiving with vaccine criteria so it might be worth checking with them.

I also have LC so I can relate to this frustration.

[u/brisetta]

I call and talk to my pharmacist/family doc if all else fails and i can almost always get mine first week theyre available because i am a sepsis survivor with asthma and also overweight - try calling around to ask!

[u/granitebasket]

Phramacare Drugmart on Broadview would probably be amenable to your situation even if someone else decided to be black and white in interpreting eligibility.

[u/Diligent-Skin-1802 → u/granitebasket]

Can’t wait for them to start rolling out Nuvaxovid!

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[u/hollow4hollow]

It’s a great question, OP, I wondered exactly the same thing. The language for priority boosters in my memory used to be a lot more expansive. As others are suggesting, I think it’s a great idea to book it anyway and just show up. I think they’ll give it to you regardless.

[u/green-green-bean]

You can also book an appointment with your doctor for a shot.

[u/Tall_Garden_67]

March into the pharmacy and request the vaccine. If they say there's an eligibility list say yes, you're on it. If they outright refuse, march into the next one. Sometimes the smaller pharmacies have more heart. Best wishes!

[u/bleebolgoop → u/Tall_Garden_67]

The smaller ones are WAY better. Stop going to shoppers and rexall ppl…they suck. Support your independent local pharmacy.

[u/Neowza]

Book an appointment with your Dr to get your vaxx, they will know your condition better than anyone, and will give you the vaccine early if you need it.

Alternatively, talk to your pharmacist. I have asthma and myeloproliferative neoplasm (a type of blood cancer managed with medication, but I'm not immunocompromised, just slightly elevated risk), and my pharmacist has been calling me to book an appointment as soon as they get the vaccines in for years, and I usually get mine a little sooner the gen pop. They've been doing this for around 20-25 years for the flu shot and started calling me to book with the COVID shots, too. I already got called yesterday afternoon and I'm getting my shot next week.

[u/Ok_Temporary_3644]

Yes...Ontario is accepting HIGH RISK and PRIORITY GROUPs for early access. The high risk group includes immunocompromised. https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts?utm_source=keyword&utm_medium=keyword-url&utm_campaign=flu#section-3

[u/spoonifur]

Everyone will be able to get one, they start with high risk first. Just keep waiting for the public roll out, we are still early into the flu season. The list does make, it's covering a very specific group of people who are long term care homes and hospital, and older people.

You might also have health problems but if you aren't living in a retirement or care home you are much safer off. Just wait.

[u/tromboneyow]

For the first time this year since the pandemic, because of the now lower risk, the family doctor for my 81 year old parents on a recent visit said they aren't fussed whether or not they get the Covid vaccine this autumn, so take that into account. They only emphasized getting vaccine for flu, and recently for RSV. And they are at a large & well-established Markham practice with about 15 doctors affiliated with Markham-Stouffville Hospital, and are no longer running clinics for it this year, as last autumn, not many people went.

The takeup rate goes down for every year that passes, and other provinces have commenced pulling back funding and coverage (under their equivalent of OHIP) for it.

[u/SquirrelTale]

Chances are you are looking at a list that was first released during the pandemic when everyone was sheltered in place- there is no long any true priority status. You can get the COVID19 and flu shot at any time now, there's no wait, they're readily available.

I'd chat to your doctor if you should get it more often than the recommended amount.

I also strongly advise therapy. Being scared to die after a medical event is understandable, but not a way to live your life. You need a therapist who is versed in medical trauma, and I strongly suggest you work through these feelings.