A public health nurse administers a COVID-19 vaccine. (File photo supplied by Southwestern Public Health)A public health nurse administers a COVID-19 vaccine. (File photo supplied by Southwestern Public Health)
Sarnia

More appointment availabilities coming for booster shots

There will be more opportunities for residents who are 70 years of age and older to book COVID-19 vaccine third dose appointments.

Lambton Public Health (LPH) said about 700 additional appointments for third doses for those in the 70 plus group will be added through to December 30.

Residents are encouraged to continuously check appointment availabilities online as slots will be added regularly. Residents can also call the Vaccine Booking line at 226-254-8222.

So far, 12,000 local residents have received their booster shot and an additional 13,000 appointments have been booked. Those who are currently eligible to receive a third dose also include health care workers and Indigenous people 12 years of age and up.

“LPH has now provided booster doses to 34 percent of Lambton residents aged 70+ with a projected coverage rate of 57 per cent based on upcoming bookings,” said Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade. “Due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant and the potential for a higher risk of severe illness in older populations, I’m strongly urging all residents 70 years of age and older get their booster shot as soon as possible.”

As of Monday, all adults in Ontario will be eligible to book third dose appointments. The provincial government announced changes to the booster shot rollout this week, which included a shorter interval between second and third doses.

LPH said this group of newly eligible individuals should expect to schedule booster shot appointments in January and February 2022, as appointments in December are fully booked.

“If you are under the age of 70 years old and have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine you are well protected against severe illness as a result of COVID-19 and its variants,” said Ranade. “At this time, we need to focus on getting first and second doses into those who have yet to be vaccinated, and to protect our vulnerable populations by getting them a third (booster) dose as soon as possible. Please be patient, as we continue to work through the challenges of expanding the vaccine rollout quickly.”

Aside from community clinics, booster shots are also administered at some pharmacies and primary care providers. A full list of Lambton pharmacies offering the vaccine can be found on the health unit's website.

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