The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is opening up community vaccination clinics starting next week for a limited number of residents and by appointment only.
For now the health unit is only providing vaccinations to adults over 85 years old, Indigenous adults over 55 years old as well as their adult household members, adult recipients of chronic home care, and "very high priority" frontline healthcare workers.
Though the province's vaccination priority guidelines suggest this phase of vaccinations should include all Indigenous adults and all seniors over 80 years old, the health unit is not currently accepting appointments from that broad of an age range yet.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for the region, explained on Tuesday they have a limited supply of vaccinations and opted to narrow down the age range further at the beginning of the vaccine roll out to ensure the most vulnerable groups get it first.
"The opening of our clinics is just the beginning. Over the months to come we will work through priority populations to provide vaccination to all adults who want it," said Gardner in a news release.
For the health unit's complete vaccination rollout plan, click here.
Those who are eligible (proof of eligibility will be required) can now book an appointment online through the health unit website or by phone at 1-877-721-7520.
The clinics are the result of joint work with many partner agencies including Family Health Teams, Ontario Health Teams, community hospitals, paramedic services, community pharmacists, municipalities, Indigenous partners and the Central Region of Ontario Health.
Vaccination clinics are located in Barrie/Innisfil, South Simcoe, North Simcoe, the Couchiching area, South Georgian Bay and Muskoka. Not every location will run every day.
Pop-up clinics and additional locations will be added as the vaccine program rollout continues in the coming months. Mobile clinics also continue to provide immunization to those in community facility settings who need it the most and are unable to attend the fixed location clinics as well as other priority populations benefitting from outreach.
The dates and times of operation for all clinics in the region will vary with vaccine supply, and details will be provided when you book an appointment.
Clinics announced today by the health unit are as follows:
- South Georgian Bay
- Collingwood Legion (drive-thru)
- Wasaga Beach Rexplex Community Centre (drive-thru)
- Barrie and area
- 29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
- Holly Recreation Centre, Barrie
- Innisfil Recreation Complex
- Couchiching Area
- Rotary Place, Orillia
- North Simcoe
- North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, Midland
- Penetanguishene Arena
- South Simcoe
- Alliston Memorial Arena
- Tottenham Community Centre
- Bob Fallis Arena, Bradford
- Muskoka Region
- Active Living Centre, Huntsville
- Bracebridge Sportsplex
