The rollout of local COVID vaccines has resumed after a brief break.
The program was put on hold on March 29 due to Moderna vaccine supply shortages.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon is the Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit and says, “Right now it is every couple of weeks we receive vaccines but the dates tend to change. Sometimes they are delayed. Sometimes they are by two days, sometimes it’s longer. But now more vaccines have arrived and we’re expecting more, so we’ve opened up more spots.
Dr. Young Hoon adds, “Based on the numbers and the estimates we’re given by the province to allow people to book until the end of April. So we’re constantly revisiting and adjusting to make sure we have enough vaccines for people who are booking.”
The shot availability has been updated and now anyone aged 60 years or older can book an appointment by visiting Ontario Vaccine Booking System or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
In addition to those born in 1961 or earlier, the following groups are also eligible to book an appointment:
-Health Care Workers, including staff who work in congregate living settings
-Adult Home Care Recipients
-Faith leaders who provide end of life care, care of the deceased, funerals, home visits to unwell persons, or pastoral care in hospitals, LTCH, etc.
-Indigenous adults, including Metis aged 18+ (and their household members)
-Those with the following health conditions:
-Organ transplant recipients;
-Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients;
-People with neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis);
-Haematological malignancy diagnosed less than one year ago;
-Sickle cell disease;
-Kidney disease eGFR< 30; and
-Essential caregivers for individuals in the groups listed above
For more information visit Health Unit Booking Information
The Health Unit stresses that if there are no available appointments in area communities, you are asked to try again soon and do not book in other communities as more clinics will be added.
Meantime, three local pharmacies are preparing to administer the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the shot will be available to anyone over the age of 55.
“We provide some supports with some minor aspects of that vaccination program. It is primarily delivered directly to the pharmacies from the province and the pharmacies work directly with the province in ensuring that they can do their vaccination program.”
Participating locations include; Shoppers Drug Mart in Dryden, No Frills Pharmacy in Kenora, and Pharmasave in Fort Frances.
To book an appointment at a local pharmacy visit Pharmacy Bookings
For Dryden residents you can book at Shoppers Bookings
