SWPH Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in Response to Local Demand
Southwestern Public Health is modifying how its COVID-19 vaccine clinics operate to make first and second doses more accessible to those living in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.
Beginning Thursday, June 10, earlier second dose eligibility will expand in the region to include people born in 1951 or earlier. Additionally, anyone who had a first dose on or before April 18th – which includes healthcare workers and people with specific high-risk health conditions – are also eligible for an earlier second dose appointment. To reschedule, visit www.covidvaccineLM.ca, or, if you need assistance, call the Southwestern Public Health Response Centre at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9.
Demand for first doses also remains high, particularly in younger groups and those aged 12-17.
“We are at a point where first doses and second doses are both happening at our vaccination clinics each day, so we are making modifications to remain efficient in how we deliver vaccine,” says Jaime Fletcher, Program Manager of the Southwestern Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force. “When calling us, your patience is greatly appreciated as we know a large number of people will be trying to re-schedule their appointments during the upcoming days.”
Updates to clinic operations include:
- expanding the Goff Hall-Woodstock clinic to administer up to 1,000 per day
- transitioning the Tillsonburg clinic to offer Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to allow vaccinations for ages 12+ until June 25th (will be re-examined closer to that date)
- offering more frequent pop-up and mobile clinics across the region in areas that are smaller or more isolated; this will be evaluated on an ongoing basis
- further expansion at local pharmacy and primary care to offer vaccinations at more locations, including mRNA options for first and second doses; and
- expanding the Same Day Vaccination List to include eligible individuals seeking an earlier second dose who can present to a local clinic within 30 minutes for a cancelled or end-of-day dose.
All modifications will be in-place by mid-June in preparation for higher demand in July and August.
“Our goal is to make vaccination as accessible as possible across our region, and to get doses in arms quickly. We are on-track for not only a one-dose summer, but to deliver two-doses and complete protection by August to many of the people who live in our communities,” says Fletcher.
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Media Contact:
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca