Public Health says the Grey Bruce Hockey Hub mass COVID-19 immunization model is coming back.
As case numbers of the Omicron variant increase globally, the Ontario Government announced Wednesday, that starting Monday, December 20th, all Ontarians 18 and older can book a COVID-19 booster shot appointment.
The Health Unit says in a release that in collaboration with Bruce Power, local partners and volunteers, a new strategy to respond to increased vaccine eligibility is being implemented.
It says this will enable a large volume of COVID-19 vaccines to be administered in the coming weeks.
Public Health says Bruce Power has offered three central locations as mass vaccination clinics, and adds, “We are evaluating the fit of these locations for clinic functions. These clinics will utilize the Hockey Hub model used in the spring and summer in Grey Bruce. This model of vaccine delivery has been used throughout Canada and internationally to significantly increase the capacity to vaccinate a large number of people in a short amount of time, saving lives.”
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra, says, in a statement, “Public health has been a leader in managing the pandemic, and by partnering with companies like Bruce Power, we are able to focus on administering far more doses safely and efficiently.”
Public Health says further details will be announced as plans for these new settings develop.
They also note, COVID-19 Vaccines continue to be available through scheduled vaccine clinics as well as through participating pharmacies and primary care providers. The Health Unit says you can contact your health care provide or visit their website to find out whether they are offering the COVID-19 vaccines.
There are two vaccination clinics Friday (Dec 17). They are by appointment, unless it’s for a first or second dose. If you are getting a booster shot or are in the 5-11 age group, you need an appointment for Friday’s clinics. One is set to be held at the Sydenham Campus (former school) at 1130 8th Street east in Owen Sound from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Another clinic is set to be held Friday (Dec 17) at the Lion’s Head Rotary Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vaccine appointments can be booked through the Province’s Website (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) or by calling the Provincial Booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
Locally, 32 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Grey Bruce Wednesday, none of which have been confirmed as the Omicron variant at the present time. Public Health says as of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, there were 115 active cases and over 1,000 high-risk contacts.
