Over 25 per cent of individuals 18 years and older in our Health Unit’s district have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 29,697 doses have been administered as of April 14, which represents 26.85 per cent of adults in the district.
“This is an important step forward for the district,” stresses Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “The fact that we have vaccinated such a large number of people in such a short time is remarkable. Vaccination teams dedicated many hours to organizing and carrying out the vaccination campaign across our district. I want to thank all those involved for your hard work and the public for your patience throughout the vaccine rollout.”
The Health Unit is currently offering vaccination clinics for individuals born in 1961 or before, Very High Priority Health Care Workers, High Priority Health Care Workers, and Special Education Workers. The Health Unit continues to vaccinate individuals included in Phase 1 of the provincial ethical framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution who have not yet been vaccinated.
Individuals in these eligible groups can book online at www.ontario.ca/BookVaccine (with the exception of Special Education Workers), or by calling the Health Unit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-563-2808. Appointments cannot be made in person through the Health Unit. A list of local clinics and more information on booking appointments can be found on the Health Unit website at myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19Vaccine.
According to Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization for the Health Unit, West Nipissing’s the current vaccination clinic in Marcel Noël Hall will be moving to the arena on April 23rd which will allow for the accommodation of more people.
West Nipissing’s April 16’s vaccine clinic is currently fully booked, but residents can schedule for April 23 and 30, as well as May 14and 28.
For more information on the local COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan, visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19Vaccine.