COVID-19, Flu, RSV Vaccines Available in October for High Risk Individuals
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) will be visiting community hubs once again this fall to offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines, starting with walk-in clinics for those who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from the viruses and do not have a primary care provider. Today, the Health Unit released their community clinic schedule for this population, which includes:
- Residents and staff of congregate living settings;
- Pregnant individuals;
- Individuals aged 65 years and older;
- Children six months to four years of age;
- Individuals six months of age and older with underlying health conditions;
- Individuals from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis and their household members;
- Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities;
- Health care workers and first responders.
Eligible older adults may also receive the RSV vaccine at the clinics. High-risk individuals with unique needs can contact the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 to inquire about a private appointment. More community clinic dates will be released when eligibility expands to include the general public in November.
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective actions you can take to protect your health, that of our vulnerable friends and family, and entire community,” says Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Medical Officer of Health for the Health Unit, emphasizing that vaccines have continuously been proven to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths. “For infants, new parents, grandparents and everyone in between, staying up to date with these vaccinations brings protection and peace of mind from year to year.”
Dr. Zimbalatti notes there is also a convenience factor. “The COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines are free to receive in Ontario and safe to receive at the same time. People can get vaccinated by their primary care provider, or if they don’t have access to one, they can visit one of our clinics or a participating pharmacy.”
It is still recommended to wait six months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection to get the next dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines being offered this year protect against current variants. The RSV vaccine is only needed once in a lifetime. For more information on COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, visit myhealthunit.ca, or contact your healthcare provider. To connect with a healthcare provider online, visit shn.ca/vaxfacts or Health811.
COVID-19, Flu and RSV Vaccine Clinic Schedule for High-Risk Groups
Magnetawan
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 4 - 6 p.m. at Magnetawan Community Centre, 4304 Hwy 520
This clinic is open to high-risk and non-high-risk individuals.
Mattawa
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 3 - 6 p.m. at Mattawa Golden Age Club, 464 Poplar St.
North Bay
Sunday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Elk’s Lodge, 325 Elks Ln.
Parry Sound
Sunday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Bobby Orr Community Centre, 7-17 Mary St.
Sundridge
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 3 - 6 p.m. at SSJ Arena, 14 Albert St. N
Wait times at clinics may vary.
