The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is stepping up its effort to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated this summer, by reducing potential barriers even further. Starting Wednesday, July 14th, it will no longer be necessary to book appointments to receive a first dose of vaccine at one of the four mass vaccination clinics in London or Middlesex County. The addition of more walk-in options for those who have yet to receive their initial dose of COVID-19 vaccine is intended to make it easier for those individuals to get started on a two-dose summer and be protected against COVID-19.
With today’s announcement, first doses of vaccine will now be available at the Western Fair District Agriplex, North London Optimist Community Centre, Mount Brydges and Earl Nichols Recreation Centre COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics, up to an hour before closing time. The limit on walk-ins during the last hour the clinics are open is to ensure that vials of vaccine are used fully and that no partial vials are left over at the end of clinic operations each day.
“If you have not yet had your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, you can now walk into any area clinic, any time before 5:00 p.m. and get your shot,,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Getting vaccinated is more important than ever. The common link we’re seeing among those who are becoming ill and sadly dying from COVID-19 is that they are not vaccinated.”
The walk-in option at the mass vaccination clinics is the latest addition to the Health Unit’s campaign to encourage those who have yet to be protected against COVID-19 get their first dose. Last week, the MLHU announced a series of Walk-in Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics scheduled over the next month that do not require appointments. A complete list of the clinics is available on the MLHU website at: www.healthunit.com/pop-up-vaccination-clinics
Although Ontario will be moving to Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16th, the Health Unit continues to receive reports of new COIVD-19 cases each day. While the number of new cases reported each day remains low, the majority of those who do become infected have not yet been vaccinated. Because COVID-19 is still circulating, the MLHU continues to recommend following public health guidance, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing a face covering when physical distance can’t be maintained and washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Media Contacts:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0570 or
519-663-5317, extension 2469
Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit