Niagara Region Public Health is busy preparing for the launch of COVID-19 mass immunization clinics in the coming weeks.
The Region announced last week Brock University would host one of 11 clinics across Niagara once the vaccine supply is available.
The clinics will open and operate on a rotating basis, and will increase in frequency over the next few weeks as Public Health staff and volunteers work to get vaccines into the arms of Niagara’s residents who are 80 and over as quickly as possible.
Brock, and other immunization sites, were selected because of a complex matrix of criteria, including:
- Ability to set up safe routing through the clinic space to allow for continued physical distancing
- Free and ample parking
- Accessibility, including entrances, exits, ramps, elevators, etc.
- Temperature control for vaccines
- Space to have a large amount people delivering vaccines at the same time
- Drive time for large portions of the overall population
- Accessible by public transit
- Connectivity to cellular internet services
- Public safety implications, with a focus on possible impacts to major roadways
Once vaccine supply is increased, the clinics will be supplemented by local pharmacies and family doctors, so that by the time the majority of the population can receive their vaccine, they can do so even closer to home.
Clinics for residents 80 years of age and older will be starting within the next couple of weeks, and residents will be able to book their appointments through the Provincial online and phone registration system, which is scheduled to launch on Monday, March 15.
Once more information is available, including the website link, phone number, and any other pertinent information, it will be shared with the community.
For more information about COVID-19 and the Region’s vaccination efforts, visit niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/vaccination.aspx
