Residents of Chatham-Kent 12 and older can start booking and pre-registering for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment on Tuesday.
Chatham-Kent Public Health has announced that anyone 18+ can book their spot at all upcoming clinics offering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines beginning on May 18, 2021 at 8 a.m. Youth 12 to 17 years old, and their families, will also be able to start booking appointments on Tuesday morning for clinics starting June 14.
The health unit will be offering family-friendly clinics during the weeks of June 14 and 21 with the Pfizer vaccine, the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for people 12 to 17 years old.
"We’re pleased that so many people in Chatham-Kent are choosing to be vaccinated. Although people may be waiting a few weeks for their appointment, high demand is a good thing because it means better protection for our community in the long term," said Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby.
Public health officials said specialty family clinic days are scheduled at the Bradley Centre clinic for those 12 to 17 on June 19, 20, 26, 27 using the Pfizer vaccine. They provided an update Tuesday morning, saying that residents aged 12-17 years old looking to book a spot for those family clinic days will have to wait a little bit longer to book a spot online.
They added youth 12 to 17 are also now eligible to book on Tuesday any available Pfizer clinic appointment if they qualify as a Phase 1 High-Risk Population (Health condition, or live in a congregate living environment) or as a Phase 2 Essential Worker.
Jeff Moco with Chatham-Kent Public Health Communications said there is an increased demand for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Chatham-Kent because the province has recently allowed more groups to get the shot.
Appointments can be booked at GetYourShotCK.ca or by calling 519-351-1010 and leaving a message.
"Even though some family members may already be eligible for vaccination, we hope that the convenience of planning one trip to the clinic will encourage families to book their appointments in the near future," said Chatham-Kent Public Health Director Teresa Bendo.
Public health officials are asking for patience as they continue to book vaccination appointments into June. They added additional clinic dates and mobile clinics will be announced in the coming weeks to serve those eligible for first and second doses.
On Tuesday afternoon, the health unit announced pre-registrations are open for the 12 to 17 age group to assist in creating clinics for them. Click here for the pre-registration form. Public health officials are asking for one form per household. A message can also be left at 519-351-1010 but people are being asked to pre-register using only one method. Chatham-Kent Public Health will get back to people over the coming days with an appointment time.
Click here for the latest COVID-19 vaccination updates.