Vaughan's Canada's Wonderland first stop for province's GO-VAXX mobile vaccination clinics

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 9, 2021

Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan is the first stop on the province's recently launched mobile vaccination clinic.

The Ontario government announced the "GO-VAXX" buses on Friday and said it will provide another option for eligible residents to get their vaccine shot.

The mobile clinics are part of the province's "last mile" strategy, which hopes to target areas with low vaccination rates.

“Our government is proud to work alongside Metrolinx to offer the people of Ontario a new and convenient way to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Caroline Mulroney, transportation minister and York-Simcoe MPP.

“I am confident our efforts will continue to protect the health and safety of our families and communities across Ontario.”

The government's partnership with Metrolinx will ensure that Ontarians have even easier access to a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said in a statement.

"By bringing vaccines directly to the people, we are helping more residents get the protection they need for themselves, their families and their communities."

The mobile clinics are expected to be on the road six days a week and will make stops in malls, festivals, community hubs and other events throughout the summer and fall across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area.

The retrofitted GO buses are at Canada's Wonderland this weekend, administering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to park staff and guests.

Reservations are available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

"We are excited and pleased to help plan and deliver this innovative approach linking vaccination and transit together," Metrolinx president and chief executive officer Phil Verster said.

"Our bus drivers jumped at the opportunity to be part of this incredible initiative and will be operating the GO-VAXX bus."

The province said it will work with local health units and municipalities to determine the areas where the mobile clinics will be deployed.

"The job is not over yet, and the GO-VAXX bus is another way our government is making it easier and convenient for more Ontarians to receive their vaccine," Health Minister Christine Elliott said.

Here's what you need to know if you would like to get vaccinated at a GO-VAXX bus:

• Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, status card or birth certificate.

• Eat and drink something before you arrive at your appointment to prevent yourself from feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.

• Dress for the weather in case there is a lineup.

• Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm, such as a loose-fitting top or a T-shirt.

• Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin.

• Do not visit the GO-VAXX bus if you have symptoms of COVID-19.