Region begins vaccinating residents over 18
Posted Dec 20, 2021 12:42:00 PM.
***All regionally-run vaccine clinics were booked up as of Monday at 10 a.m.***
As eligibility opens up Monday for Ontario residents 18 and up to get third doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Waterloo Region is facing the challenge of meeting “significant demand” for third doses.
Around 350,000 people in the region are now eligible for shots.
Vaccine Lead, Vickie Murray said the region is working on adding more appointments to clinics, and appointments can be made through the regional booking portal.
“We still do not know a lot about Omicron. Studies are showing a third dose of COVID vaccine helps prevent serious disease and hospitalization. The recent increases of COVID cases in our community highlight the need to get vaccinated as a priority,” Murray said.
The vaccine lead is encouraging people who cannot find open appointments at the regional booking system to connect with their family doctor or their local community pharmacy.
“Pharmacy booking systems may start out with a waiting list, but I've been told that people quickly move off those waiting lists, and can usually get appointments within days,” she said.
Other options available are the hockey hub at Bingeman's from Dec. 22 to 24 and the mobile vaccination bus.
“While vaccination is one part of our strategy to fight Omicron, we also need to continue with the effective public health measures,” Murray said.
This includes wearing masks, social distancing and limiting public gatherings.
