The Central Lambton Family Health Team (CLFHT) is launching a COVID vaccination clinic this week after receiving 200 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The mass clinic is being held at Petrolia's Greenwood Rec Centre on Friday, April 23, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Executive Director Sarah Milner understands people might be hesitant to get the AstraZeneca vaccine after hearing about rare cases of blood clotting.
"There's generally less chance of a blood clot getting a COVID vaccine, like AstraZeneca, than there is even for women who are taking birth control," said Milner. "Everything comes with risk, and there are different things that cause a risk of blood clots and COVID is one of them. Actually, the risk of getting a blood clot if you're positive for COVID is higher than the risk of getting it from AstraZeneca."
According to Thrombosis Canada, there is no overall increased risk of developing a blood clot after receiving any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines.
Milner encourages those with concerns to speak with their doctor or pharmacist.
In order to qualify for Friday's clinic, you must be over the age of 40, have not received an initial dose, and be a patient of one of 10 doctors at the CLFHT.
To book an appointment, go to app.getcorigan.ca, email the health team at info@clfht.com, or call 519-882-2500.