COVID-19 Vaccination Options Expanded at Mass Sites and Mobile Clinics

Windsor and Essex County have been leaders in the province in the distribution of vaccines since they became widely available in March of this year. Residents of long-term care and retirement homes were vaccinated ahead of other regions, and the first mass vaccination clinics in Ontario for those over the age of 80 became operational at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre on March 1. Since the mass distribution of vaccines began, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has expanded eligibility rapidly using its booking system, regularly ahead of the rest of the province. This rapid distribution of vaccine was the key factor in preventing a third wave of COVID-19 transmission in our region.

The progress made to date has been immense and the reduction of cases is a result of the mass vaccination effort, targeted outreach by community partners and continued adherence to public health measures by the community. However, as vaccination rates plateau the threat of COVID-19 variants increases. To support residents to quickly and easily be immunized, all mass vaccination clinics are now accepting same day appointments, as well as walk-in appointments not previously scheduled for anyone over the age of 12. All appointments, including pre-booked, same day and walk-in appointments are available for both first and second doses of either mRNA vaccine (provided eligibility requirements are met).

Additionally, mobile clinics in neighbourhoods with low vaccine coverage for youth have been organized over the next two weeks. These clinics accept walk-ins only and are in spaces close to local schools. They are open to anyone over the age of 12. The schedule for these clinics is regularly updated at WEVAX.ca.

The week of July 19 all clinics are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at these locations:

• Thursday, July 22 - Comber - Centennial Central Public School
• Friday, July 23 - Windsor - Assumption College Catholic

The week of July 26 all clinics are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at these locations:

• Tuesday, July 27 - Windsor - William G. Davis Public School
• Wednesday, July 28 - Leamington - Queen Elizabeth Public School
• Thursday, July 29 - Windsor - Sainte-Therese French Catholic
• Friday, July 30 - Windsor - Assumption College Catholic
• Saturday, July 31 - Windsor - Frank W. Begley Public School

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine booking and eligibility, please visit WEVAX.ca. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 vaccines, including facts, myths, frequently asked questions and vaccination statistics, please visit wechu.org. You can also subscribe to receive email updates from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit about COVID-19 vaccines.

KEY MESSAGES:

• Numerous appointments are available for both first and second doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at mass vaccination sites.
• Mass vaccination clinics now accepting walk-in and same day appointments for first and second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
• Both mRNA vaccines are available for first and second doses whether scheduled in advance, same day or walk-in.
• Mobile vaccination clinics organized in partnership with the Community Response and Stabilization Team are accepting walk-ins only (for those 12 years and older) in priority neighbourhoods.