Public Health Sudbury: Those 80 and older, chronic home care recipients can register for vaccine lottery

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) has announced pre-registration for the COVID-19 vaccine is now available for adults 80 years of age and older and individuals who receive chronic home care services.

The pre-registration will allow individuals to be contacted at a later date to book an appointment at an upcoming clinic, said the health unit, “when appointments become available.”

PHSD said the vaccine clinics will be held across the jurisdiction, will be by appointment only and will be part of a vaccine lottery.

“Currently, vaccine clinics are being organized in Greater Sudbury beginning on March 11 and 12, 2021. Individuals in these groups who pre-register by Monday, March 8, 2021, at 8 p.m., will be entered into a lottery for the upcoming scheduled clinics in Sudbury. Additional clinics are also being planned across Public Health’s service area and details will be shared once available,” said the news release.

PHSD said because the vaccine supply is limited, the lottery will match recipients to the number of doses available. 

“Although all adults 80 years of age and older and individuals receiving chronic home care are currently eligible for the vaccine, the vaccine supply is limited. Lotteries will be held to match vaccine recipients to the number of doses available. 

“Individuals drawn from the lottery will be contacted directly, by email or phone, with information on how to book an appointment,” said PHSD. 

It adds that pre-registration does not guarantee an earlier appointment. 

“Due to high demand and limited supply, pre-registering does not mean you will get an appointment immediately.”

To pre-register, please visit: www.surveymonkey.ca/r/vaccineappointment. If unable to pre-register online and assistance registering is required, please call 1-800-708-2505 and call centre staff will be available to assist. The call centre will be available for assistance starting on Saturday, March 6, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.