Lambton Public Health plans to open a high volume COVID-19 immunization clinic at Point Edward Arena Monday, March 22.
The health unit said Thursday it's currently working on the planning, design and implementation of a new high output model.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade, in a media briefing, said they're making good progress.
"Even next week once we start in the high volume clinic and get it operational, there'll be a few day where we're working out operational glitches and making sure it runs smoothly," said Ranade. "But towards the end of the week we expect to be running that fairly efficiently and smoothly to deliver a high volume of immunization."
Plans are also underway to open a second high volume clinic at Clearwater Arena in Sarnia, once the model in Point Edward is tested and vaccine supply is available to support it.
Dr. Ranade said he can't say yet if Bluewater Health CEO Mike Lapaine's stated goal of community-wide first dose vaccinations by the May Victoria Day weekend is possible.
"Let's see how this high volume model works and if it works really well I'd be more comfortable making that prediction. And the other caveat of course is the vaccine supply but I think we're working towards a really solid delivery model that can get high volumes done and then once we've got that and enough vaccines I'd be more comfortable agreeing with that statement but it's a really good goal, I would love it too."
The health unit's Immunization Task Force update Thursday said a total of 12,653 doses of vaccine have been administered in Lambton County since the beginning of the roll-out on January 26.
Dr. Ranade noted that's over 10 per cent of the eligible county population.
"Remember just for context, that's about six times more than the number of people who had COVID in the community," he said.
A shipment of 3,800 doses of Moderna was delivered Saturday, March 13 and 2,340 doses of Pfizer arrived Monday, March 15. Additional shipments of both vaccines are expected in the coming weeks.
Lambton Public Health also announced Thursday that it's opening vaccine pre-registration for individuals aged 75 to 79 including those who are turning 75 this year. One in-home caregiver who resides in the same household can also book their appointment.
Further information on Lambton County's vaccination roll-out can be found here.
-With files from Colin Gowdy