COVID booster shots available in Sudbury area starting Thursday – The Sudbury Star

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Starting Thursday, Public Health Sudbury and District is making booster doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available to those eligible to receive one.

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“A complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine primary series provides strong protection against COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes, including against the Delta variant, in the general population,” the health unit said in a release.

“Based on emerging evidence, a booster dose can now be offered to select populations at least six months after a second dose to obtain more durable protection. Given current evidence and vaccine supply, booster doses are not considered urgent.”

Vulnerable older adults in congregate settings continue to be eligible for a third dose to boost their immune response, the health unit said. The recommendation now is the booster dose be received six months following their second dose.

“For some populations, for example, those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, a third dose may be required in the primary series as two doses may not provide sufficient protection,” it added. “These individuals continue to be eligible to receive a third dose as part of their primary series, at least eight weeks following their second dose.”

Public Health said appointments can be booked online and by phone.

“Online booking is a simple and efficient process and helps reduce call volumes,” it said. “Individuals can also help people who are eligible by booking an appointment on their behalf.”

Starting Thursday, Nov. 4, those 80 years of age and older who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago can call the local booking centre to book an appointment for a booster dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

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Appointments will not be booked for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria, the health unit noted.

Starting Friday, Nov. 5, those 70 years of age and older who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago can call the local booking centre to book an appointment.

In addition, these groups can call for an appointment starting Friday:

– First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults, including non-Indigenous household members who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago.

– Health care workers who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago.

– Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago.

– Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago.

– Call 705-674-2299 (toll-free: 1-800-708-2505). The call centre is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and is closed on statutory holidays.

Starting Saturday, Nov. 6, meanwhile, those eligible for a booster dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine to book an appointment through the provincial booking portal.

In addition, many pharmacies and primary care providers are offering COVID-19 vaccination. Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy or primary care provider for additional information on a booster dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

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Though booking an appointment is recommended, walk-ins for a booster dose will be accepted at Public Health pop-up and walk-in clinics. Starting Thursday, Nov. 4, those who meet eligibility criteria for a booster dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to walk-ins to a Public Health clinic one hour after the clinic’s start time.

If you choose to attend a walk-in to receive a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you may experience longer wait times and Public Health encourages booking an appointment.

For a schedule of clinics in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, including clinic times and the mRNA vaccine brand that is planned, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.

Public Health also said it is also working with partners to offer vaccination opportunities directly in the homes of homebound individuals. Additional information will be provided to these clients directly as they become eligible for the mRNA booster dose.

Public Health said it remains focused on achieving 90 per cent coverage for anyone eligible for vaccination. Anyone born in 2009 or earlier is strongly encouraged to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series as soon as possible if they have not yet done so.

For more information about COVID-19 and vaccination, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19. Keep connected on Public Health’s Facebook and Twitter pages or call 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-52209200).

dmacdonald@postmedia.com

Twitter: @SudburyStar