People who are 70 and older living in the London region can sign up for a vaccine starting immediately.

The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) and Southwestern Public Health said Monday that they've expanded eligibility.

"Our priority has been to get the vaccine into arms as quickly as we can and with a growing number of those over the age of 75 having received their first dose, the time is right to invite those who are between the ages of 70 and 74 to make their appointments," says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the MLHU.

The province says more than 75 per cent of people over the age of 80 have had their first dose, with more than one-third of people ages 75-79 receiving the initial shot.

Officials are encouraging people to book online, as they say phone lines will likely be overwhelmed.

There have been issues since the vaccine program began with the online system, however, Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health, says it is still the best option.

"We know the demand for the vaccine appointments will be high, so we encourage people to book online and to keep checking each morning if they aren't able to book an appointment right away," Lock said.

The London region is seeing a surge in new COVID-19 cases Monday and this past weekend. Today, there are 57 new cases, while health officials reported 124 cases Saturday and Sunday.

As of March 25, critical care occupancy at University Hospital was at 90 per cent and 64.5 per cent at Victoria Hospital.

"With the rise of cases, including cases of the variants of concern, it is important that we expand access to all of those over the age of 70."

Vaccine booking information can be found at covidvaccinelm.ca.