The Government of Ontario has now opened its registration system and released a schedule for COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the province. 

Brock University will host a mass vaccination clinic for St. Catharines and Thorold starting Friday, April 2 in Ian Beddis Gymnasium on the main level of the Walker Sports Complex.

The clinic is being organized by Niagara Region Public Health. More information and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the Region COVID-19 vaccination website at niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/vaccination.aspx

Parking will be free and the Brock clinic will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All mass vaccination clinics are by appointment only and must be booked through the provincial registration system.

Ontario has a three-phase vaccination plan prioritizing those greatest at risk of severe illness and people who take care of them.

Under Phase 1, which began in December, vaccinations are limited to those living in long-term care homes, health-care workers, Indigenous populations, adult chronic care home care recipients and anyone over the age of 80.

In Phase 2, which starts in April and runs until July, those eligible include adults between 60 and 79, high-risk congregate settings such as shelters or community living, individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers, those who can’t work from home and at-risk populations.

The remainder of the population will start being eligible for vaccines starting in July.

Residents can learn more about Niagara’s immunization plans at niagararegion.ca/covid-vaccine

Appointments can only be booked for the current phase, and must be done through the government COVID-19 website at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine