Mass immunization clinics for those born in or before 1941 begin Monday

The local Health Unit will start to vaccinate seniors born in or before 1941 starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 22. 

COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked online through the provincial booking system or over the phone at 1-800-563-2808, option 5.

See: Health Unit hoping to see 5,700 residents vaccinated next week

And: Looks like we’re staying in the red

Walk-ins will not be accepted at the vaccination clinics.

“On Monday, we take an important step forward to protect our most vulnerable, as our first mass immunization clinics go live,” says Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “We are thankful for the support and collaboration of our municipal partners and our local hospitals who have stepped up and are assisting with clinics to help ensure we are able to get the vaccine in arms as quickly as possible. We have also had a fantastic response for volunteers. At this time, we no longer need additional volunteers.”

Vaccinations in long-term care homes are now complete.

The immediate priorities for vaccine rollout are advancing steadily according to a news release.

• Alternate level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home, or other congregate care homes for seniors.
• Highest Priority health care workers, followed by Very High Priority health care workers, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization.
• Indigenous adults in northern remote and higher-risk communities, including individuals who live in a First Nations community and urban communities.

As higher volumes of COVID-19 vaccine shipments become available in the region, the Health Unit will move to remaining Phase 1 populations, including:

• Staff, residents, and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors
• Health care workers in the High Priority level, and in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization.
• All Indigenous adults.
• Adult recipients of chronic home care.

The Health Unit’s Vaccine Strategy Playbook continues to serve as a basis to guide the local rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations says the release.

For more information on local COVID-19 vaccine status visit www.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19Vaccine.