People living in Elgin and Oxford County will soon see vaccination sites open to the community.
Southwestern Public Health announced two clinics are set to launch during the week of March 15. The locations for the sites will be at Elgin Memorial Arena in St. Thomas and Goff Hall in Woodstock. Those eligible can choose from either clinic to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The health unit said as the two main sites get up and running, and more vaccines arrive, work to open smaller, mobile clinics will begin to reach people who may have difficulties accessing the larger facilities.
"We are excited to bring COVID-19 vaccine clinics to our region in partnership with our municipal leaders across St. Thomas, Elgin County and Oxford County," said Jaime Fletcher, program manager of the health unit's COVID-19 immunization task force.
Seniors aged 80 and above, Indigenous adults over 55, and some frontline healthcare workers will be able to begin booking vaccination appointments as early as next week. A phone number and online portal for scheduling will be announced in the coming days.
Fletcher added that appointments for the clinics will be imperative and a completed consent form will also be required upon arriving to help avoid delays.
"Until we have a steady supply of vaccine from the province, we need to rollout our supply very strategically so that our most vulnerable are served first," Fletcher explained. "Please do not call our appointment line if you are not yet eligible. We must keep our lines open and accessible for those who are eligible so they can quickly receive a vaccine when it is their turn."
More information about the vaccines and current eligibility can be found on Southwestern Public Health's website.