Vaccine pre-registration opens for people with specific health conditions
Waterloo Region – Residents of Waterloo Region with health conditions considered to be at highest-risk and high-risk for complications from COVID-19 can now pre-register for the vaccine.
One essential caregiver for individuals in the highest-risk group (and certain high-risk groups) can also pre-register to receive the vaccine. These are the essential caregivers who support people with health conditions with their daily living.
“We’re very encouraged that we are able to begin pre-registering people with chronic health conditions that the Province has identified as being at highest and high risk for complications from COVID-19,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “Anyone with questions about their health condition and the COVID-19 vaccine should seek the advice of their health care provider.”
Starting March 26, residents with the following health conditions can pre-register for the vaccine:
- Highest-risk group
- Organ transplant recipients
- Hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients
- People with neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis)
- Haematological malignancy diagnosed less than a year ago
- Kidney disease (eGFR less than 30)
- High-risk group
- Obesity (Body Mass Index >40)
- Treatments causing immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy, medications that weaken immunity)
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome)
“Primary care providers and specialists have an important role to play in supporting their patients to pre-register for the vaccine,” said Dr. Sharon Bal, Primary Care Physician Lead with the Region’s Vaccine Task Force. “We are working closely with public health to ensure those with the highest-risk and high-risk conditions are prioritized for the vaccine.”
Residents with these chronic health conditions and eligible caregivers are encouraged to pre-register for the vaccine right away. The fastest way to pre-register for the vaccine is on the Region of Waterloo website: COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-registration. Anyone who needs help to pre-register online is encouraged to reach out to a family member or friend for help.
-30-
Media Contact:
Sharon Ord
Acting Vaccine Communications Lead
General Inquiries: publichealth@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4400