NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM
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COVID-19 vaccines continue to arrive in South Georgian Bay, which has also been selected to participate in the Ontario pilot project to administer the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
Eligible patients in South Georgian Bay can go to the SGB OHT website (https://southgeorgianbayoht.ca/vaccine-clinics/) to book their Astra Zeneca appointment, as vaccine becomes available.
“The joy and relief are palpable, as we begin to vaccinate our local population. We’re fortunate to be able to leverage such a collaborative team to set up drive-thru clinics, providing COVID vaccinations in a safe, efficient and innovative manner,” said Dr. Harry O’Halloran, lead physician of the Georgian Bay Family Health Organization, and co-chair of the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team. “Having a strong primary care presence also allowed us to participate in the Astra Zeneca pilot, increasing the number of vaccines available to our community. It’s so great to see the light at the end of the tunnel!”
Vaccines are currently only administered through the region's local drive-thru sites in Collingwood (behind the Collingwood Legion) and Wasaga Beach (behind the RecPlex), not at local doctors' offices or pharmacies. To keep your doctor's office phone lines free for medical care, please do not call with questions about vaccine distribution.
Vaccine timing and eligibility is directed by the Ontario government and public health. To find out more about when you are eligible, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Vaccine and Immunization web page.
The Ontario provincial online vaccine booking system and call centre are now open, enabling people, beginning with those 75 and older (born in 1946 or earlier) to book their immunization appointment online. To book an appointment go to Ontario.ca/bookvaccine. For support over the phone call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line: 1-888-999-6488. Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
To use the online booking system, you must have:
- • a green photo health card (expired card will be accepted),
- • an email address
- • an up-to-date web browser (the booking site is not compatible with Internet Explorer 11 or earlier).
Other priority groups who have not yet received the first dose can pre-register through the health unit's COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration Portal. The portal and eligibility information is available on the health unit's website here.
Currently, eligible individuals include:
- • Indigenous adults and their household members
- • Adult recipients of chronic home care
- • Health Care Workers
- • Essential caregivers for residents of long-term care or rest and retirement homes
Once individuals pre-register through the health unit portal, they will receive an email with a personalized booking code inviting them to book an appointment on the provincial booking system. This invitation may take several days or weeks depending on vaccine supply and volume of registrations. Please do not call after you have pre-registered.
NOTE: Appointments are only available for those who are eligible, and clinics are not open for walk-ins. Proof of eligibility is required upon arrival at clinic.
For the most up-to-date vaccination information, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Vaccine and Immunization web page or go to ontario.ca.
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