An 88-year-old cancer survivor was the first person to be given a shot at the region's third mass vaccination clinic.
Shirley Banks received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the North London Optimist Community Centre on Cheapside Street on Wednesday, just one day before the site's official opening.
"Wow, I got my shot," a visibly happy Banks declared after the vaccine was administered.
A look inside the North London Optimist Community Centre vaccination clinic.
Once operating at full capacity, the North London Optimist Community Centre clinic will be able to give 2,000 shots per day, the Middlesex London Health Unit said. However, to start the number of shots being administered daily will be much lower at around 400.
While the site is currently stocked with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, it is expected to switch to the two-dose Moderna vaccine once the health unit receives its first shipment.
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were still roughly 200 appointments available for seniors 80 and older for opening day on Thursday.
The region's two other vaccination sites are located at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London and the Caradoc Community Centre in Mt. Brydges. The Agriplex has the capacity to administer 2,000 shots per day. The Caradoc Community Centre can handle up to 550 shots a day.
A fourth clinic is planned at the Earl Nichols Arena. An opening date for that site will depend on vaccine availability.
Eligible residents in London and Middlesex County who want to receive the vaccine can book an appointment online at covidvaccinelm.ca or by calling 226-289-3560. The phone line is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.