As of April 7, fourth dose COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been expanded to include individuals 60 years and older as well as Indigenous residents and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over. A fourth dose will provide an extra layer of protection against the Omicron and BA.2 variants and bolsters waning immunity. The recommended interval for a fourth dose is five months (140 days) following a third dose.
The GO-VAXX mobile clinics and the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Drive in Barrie are offering walk-in appointments. Individuals may also book appointments at these locations through the provincial booking system. Health unit community and pop-up clinics remain walk-in only. Clinic walk-in schedules, including pop-ups and the GO-VAXX bus, are available on the health unit’s website and social media accounts. Fourth dose boosters can also be obtained at select pharmacies, or through booked appointments with some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice.
With the high rate of community transmission of COVID-19 both locally and provincially, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) stresses the importance of vaccination, particularly booster doses which reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death.
Additionally, SMDHU reminds the public that personal protective health measures such as staying home when ill, practicing proper hand hygiene, masking in public places, and maintaining physical distance remain simple yet crucial measures to help stop the spread of disease.
When attending COVID-19 vaccination clinics, individuals are encouraged to dress for the weather as they may be required to wait outdoors before entering the clinic. They are also reminded to bring identification (e.g., health card, driver’s license, passport), a list of any medications they are taking, wear a loose-fitting shirt that allows easy access to the upper arm and bring any assistive devices as needed (e.g., scooter, wheelchair, cane).
For more information about COVID-19 and details about where and how to get your vaccination, please visit their website at www.smdhu.org/COVID19.
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