The rollout of local COVID vaccines has resumed after a brief break.
The program was put on hold at the end of March due to supply shortages of the Moderna vaccine.
“Right now, it is every couple of weeks we receive vaccines, but the dates tend to change. Sometimes they are delayed. Sometimes they are by two days. Sometimes it’s longer. But now more vaccines have arrived, and we’re expecting more, we’ve opened up more spots,” says Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit.
“We’re constantly revisiting and adjusting to make sure we have enough vaccines for people who are booking.”
Anyone aged 60 and older can book an appointment by visiting Ontario Vaccine Booking System or calling 1-833-943-3900.
In addition to those born in 1961 or earlier, the following groups are also eligible to book an appointment:
- Health Care Workers, including staff who work in congregate living settings
- Adult Home Care Recipients
- Faith leaders who provide end-of-life care, care of the deceased, funerals, home visits to unwell persons, or pastoral care in hospitals, LTCH, etc.
- Indigenous adults, including Metis aged 18+ (and their household members)
- Those with the following health conditions:
- * 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 one year ago;
- * Sickle cell disease;
- * Kidney disease
For more information, visit Health Unit Booking Information.
If there are no available appointments in your area, the Health Unit suggests trying again later Do not book in other communities as more clinics will be added.
Meantime, three pharmacies are preparing to administer the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. They include Pharmasave in Fort Frances.
Dr. Young Hoon says the shot will be available to anyone over the age of 55.
“We provide some supports with some minor aspects of that vaccination program. It is primarily delivered directly to the pharmacies from the province, and the pharmacies work directly with the province in ensuring that they can do their vaccination program,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
To book an appointment at a local pharmacy visit Pharmacy Bookings.
