How to get vaccinated in Hamilton
Over two-thirds of Hamiltonians eligible for an early second dose of AstraZeneca have been fully immunized.
Around 1,300 people got their second COVID shot over the weekend at the West End Clinic. The city had estimated 1,900 people were eligible for the clinic, which was for those age 60 to 64 who got their first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and 19.
We're very pleased of course with that turn out," said Michelle Baird, director of epidemiology, wellness and communicable disease control at Hamilton public health. It certainly exceeded our expectations."
Youth vaccination
Family-friendly vaccine clinics will run the weeks of June 14 and June 21 at the Hamilton Health Sciences site at 293 Wellington St. N. Book through the provincial portal or 1-833-943-3900.
These family-friendly clinics will include a separate area for youth and family so people are there together," said Baird. There will also be additional support for those youths with special needs and those experiencing perhaps anxieties or what not. These clinics will be supported by child-life specialists."
Youth age 12 to 17 can also book now into any Hamilton clinic that gives out Pfizer, which is the only approved vaccine for kids.
Long-term-care staff
Ontario's long-term-care homes are the first in the country to have mandated minimum requirements for staff around vaccination. As of July 1, workers will have to provide proof of vaccination, a documented medical exemption or participate in an educational program about the benefits of immunization and the risks of not getting the shot.
It certainly makes sure people have the information to make an informed decision," said Ontario's associate chief medical officer of health, Dr. Barbara Yaffe. Part of it will be making sure that people have access to the vaccine."
It also provides better records of who has been vaccinated, especially in such a high-risk setting.
I see there is potential for this kind of thing being used in other settings," said Yaffe. I see this as a very positive trend."
Second doses for seniors
Seniors age 80-plus could start booking second doses as of Monday. Those age 70 and over will be eligible the week of June 14.
Your second dose does not have to be at the same location as the appointment where you received your first dose of vaccine," said Baird.
Seniors can book second doses at the three mass vaccination clinics by using the provincial portal or calling 1-833-943-3900.
They can also go to pharmacies to get their second shot, with locations listed at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations
In addition, primary-care clinics are giving out second doses. Use the provincial portal to book at David Braley Health Sciences at 100 Main St. W. Go to WinterberryMedical.ca to book into the clinic at Winterberry Family Medicine in Stoney Creek.
Hamilton continues to run mobile clinics, with information at hamilton.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-booking.
What matters most is getting the same vaccine as the first dose.
It's important to know that mixing vaccine types is not permitted," said Baird.
Some vaccines may be easier to find than others.
Right now in Hamilton, and really provincially, there is a limited supply of Moderna available," she said.
It's not mandatory to rebook the second dose to an earlier time.
It's important to note as well that if they choose to stay with the appointment they have, those appointments are being honoured," said Baird. If people want to come to their original second dose appointment, that's their choice to do so."
Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com