More than 75 per cent of Algoma's population over the age of 18 has received at least the first COVID-19 vaccination dose, a release issued today by Algoma Public Health (APH) reports.
"Community members who received their first dose of vaccine at the COVID-19 Community Vaccine Hub at GFL Memorial Gardens from April 1-10 will be contacted soon to book their second dose appointment," the release states.
These individuals will be contacted by phone or email by June 25, says APH.
Two new vaccination clinic dates have been added at the GFL Memorial Gardens on June 21 and 22 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Please visit the vaccination booking site to schedule an appointment.
Full text of the APH news release follows:
Algoma Public Health continues to work with our partners across Algoma to immunize our population against the COVID-19 virus.
Over 75 per cent of adults 18 and older in Algoma have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Over 40 per cent of youth aged 12-17 in Algoma have also received their first dose. Appointments are still available for 12–17-year-old youth and their eligible family members including siblings, parents, guardians and caregivers who have not yet received a COVID-19 immunization.
Pre-register online for a youth aged 12-17 clinic. If you are unable to pre-register online and need assistance registering, please call 705-541-7370 or toll-free 1-888-440-3730 and staff will be available to assist. Phone lines are open Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Transportation to and from the clinic can be arranged.
It is important that all individuals are fully vaccinated with two doses to receive the best level of protection as quickly as possible. A complete series can also help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and its variants, including the delta variant.
Mixing vaccine brands
Recently, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provided new recommendations that if the vaccine brand used for your first dose isn’t available, you should continue to complete the vaccine series with the same type of COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA). Mixing vaccine brands that use the same technology is safe and effective for reducing your risk of severe illness, death, and hospitalization related to COVID-19.
If you are 18+ and got Pfizer as your first dose, you can get Moderna for your second dose to complete your vaccination series, and vice versa. Both Pfizer and Moderna are two brands of the same type of mRNA vaccine, and use the exact same mRNA sequence. Waiting for the same vaccine product as your first dose when supply is unavailable may prolong the period of time between doses and limit your ability to build the best level of protection as early as possible.
Guaranteed second dose appointments
Community members who received their first dose of vaccine at the COVID-19 Community Vaccine Hub at GFL Memorial Gardens from April 1-10 will be contacted soon to book their second dose appointment.
You will receive information directly using the email you provided when you booked your first appointment. Follow the link provided to book your appointment. If you provided only a phone number, someone will reach out to you directly.
You will receive an email and/or phone call by June 25, 2021.
If you booked your first appointment from one of the Family Health Teams in the district, they will call you directly to schedule your second dose appointment.
New first and second dose appointments for open booking
New clinic dates have been added to the GFL Memorial Gardens on June 21 and 22 for evening clinics from 5 – 9:30 pm. To make an appointment online, please visit the booking site or call 705-541-7370 or toll free 1-888-440-3730.
These mRNA vaccine clinics are open for booking for anyone 18+ who wishes to receive a first dose, as well as anyone 18+ who wishes to receive a second dose, if they received their first dose on or before May 9. This is consistent with the province’s latest announcement of the continued acceleration of second dose eligibility.
In addition, pharmacies in Sault Ste. Marie, Thessalon and Elliot Lake are also administering the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine to anyone requiring a first dose, and anyone eligible for an accelerated second dose. Find participating pharmacies near you.
Out of province vaccination
If you received your COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario, or outside of Canada, you can now submit your proof of vaccination for entry into the provincial system.
Email proof of COVID vaccination to [email protected] and include your name and phone number. An APH staff person will reach out to confirm all the information.
If you don’t have access to email, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 3297 to arrange an alternative method.
#StopTheSpread
While we continue to fully immunize the majority of community members across Algoma, we still need to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 in our region:
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to ten people or less
• Indoor gatherings with people outside of your household remain prohibited at this time
• Anyone who is ill, even with mild symptoms, must stay home and self-isolate away from others
• Avoid all non-essential travel
• Wear a mask as required in indoor public spaces and outside when physical distancing cannot be maintained
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