The last mile: an update on 
Toronto’s immunization campaign

At the time of writing, more than 4.6 million vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto, and over 77% of the eligible population (born in 2009 or earlier) is fully vaccinated. In the Leaside-Bennington area, over 81% of residents aged 12+ have received both doses of the vaccine – one of the highest uptake rates in Toronto. Thank you to all who have rolled up your sleeves!

In order to close in on the City’s goal of a 90% vaccination rate for the eligible population, we’re employing a ‘last mile’ strategy focused on bringing vaccines directly to communities. This targeted approach is a shift from the initial rollout, which relied primarily on mass vaccination clinics operated by the City and hospital-run clinics at fixed locations. While Toronto’s immunization campaign has always aimed to reduce barriers and provide convenient, accessible paths to vaccination, our focus is now to meet people where they are.

For the home stretch, Toronto Public Health has partnered with organizations across Toronto to provide more localized opportunities for vaccination, including the TTC. As Chair of the TTC, I am proud of the role we are playing to bring vaccines directly to transit hubs and local communities. In August, the TTC partnered with healthcare providers to hold vaccine clinics at the Main Street and Victoria Park stations, and at Sheppard West station in September. The agency has also repurposed a number of buses to serve as mobile vaccine clinics in areas with high residential foot traffic and low vaccination rates. For more information or to find a TTC mobile clinic near you, visit www.ttc.ca/covid19.

In the ‘last mile’ of Toronto’s immunization campaign, we must continue to be creative, flexible, and dynamic to improve vaccination coverage across Toronto. If you haven’t already received your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage you to take advantage of the many convenient options available. For information on vaccines, mobile and walk-in clinics, and Toronto’s ongoing COVID-19 response, visit www.toronto.ca/covid19.

Final opportunity: drive-thru Community Environment Days!

The City’s drive-thru Community Environment Days will wrap up on October 31, 2021.

These events are an opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste, donate items in good condition, and pick up two free 13kg bags of compost while you’re there!

Visit www.toronto.ca or contact my office at for more information.

About Jaye Robinson 50 Articles
Jaye Robinson is City Councillor for Ward 15.