Changes coming to local COVID-19 vaccination clinics
Southwestern Public Health is changing its COVID-19 vaccination operations to prepare for the summer months ahead.
Over the coming weeks, the health unit’s vaccination sites in St. Thomas and Woodstock will transition to fewer days each week to focus more effort on pop-up and mobile clinics. Starting June 6, the St. Thomas site at 1230 Talbot Street will operate Mondays and Fridays from 9AM to noon and 1PM to 4PM. Also on June 6, the Woodstock site moves to South Gate Centre and will be open Mondays from 9AM to noon and 1PM to 4PM. The last clinic at Woodstock’s Goff Hall is May 30.
“Last year we vaccinated thousands of people through mobile and pop-up clinics. We know how important mobile services are in a largely rural area,” says Jaime Fletcher, Chief Nursing Officer and Manager of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Southwestern Public Health region.
Pop-up and GO-VAXX Bus clinics will focus on familiar and accessible sites that allow for recurring visits, particularly in rural areas. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine for scheduled clinics.
Those looking for other vaccination options are encouraged to call their local pharmacy or primary care provider about availability.
“We want to recognize the site operators, and municipal and county partners who assisted us with highly accessible sites across the region to-date,” says Fletcher. “Each community centre, library, arena, shelter, and special event venue helped us reach more than 82 per cent of eligible residents with these vaccines. We are grateful for the support.”