Southwestern Public Health Expanding Vaccination Efforts and Second Dose Eligibility

Thursday, 10 June 2021 05:48

Southwestern Public Health has expanded it's second dose eligibility to include those 70+ and those who received their first dose on April 18th or earlier.

OXFORD/ST.THOMAS/ELGIN - Southwestern Public Health is expanding it's COVID-19 vaccine clinics to keep up with demand.

Starting today, earlier second dose eligibility will expand to include anyone born in 1951 or earlier. Also anyone who had a first dose on or before April 18th, will be eligible for a earlier second dose appointment.

Program Manager of the Southwestern Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force Jaime Fletcher says they are excited to be offering second doses.

“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. When calling us, your patience is greatly appreciated as we know a large number of people will be trying to reschedule 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.

You can reschedule a second appointment online here or by calling Southwestern Public Health Response Centre at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9.