Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon/CKDR Files
The Northwestern Health Unit has received their latest shipment of COVID-19 vaccines as they gear up for mass vaccination clinics.
“The allotment of vaccines we have received, 4,250 doses have been given. Large clinics begin next week across the region and will continue until everyone who wants the vaccine gets one,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon.
With technical issues appeared to be resolved with the online booking system, Young Hoon says many residents were able to book their shots.
“Those aged 80 years and older can visit the provincial booking site to book an appointment or they can call 1-833-943-3900. The online booking system is only available to people aged 80 and older at this time,” Young Hoon explained. “Populations who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine that are not 80 years and older include health care providers and Indigenous or Metis adults. These individuals must complete the Northwestern Health Unit survey so we can send their information to the Ministry.”
The survey can be found on the health unit’s COVID-19 Vaccine booking web page.
Information of eligible individuals is then passed on to the Ministry, who will email you a code to book an appointment within a few days.
When it comes to receiving your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should expect to wait.
Young Hoon says this comes from the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations and Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health.
“The second dose can be provided up to four months after the first dose. The first dose can give adequate protection during that four month period, therefore they are advising and recommending first doses be prioritized for everyone and to push out the second dose at a four month interval.”
There are exceptions for some priority groups to get their second dose sooner though, including residents in long term and elder care homes and assisted living facilities.
