York Region opening 15K COVID vaccine appointments on Thursday

Toronto.Citynews.ca
Dec. 23, 2021
John Marchesan

York Region is opening up two new mass vaccination clinics, making approximately 15,000 appointments available starting Thursday.

The clinics -- at Richmond Green Sports Centre on Elgin Mills Road East and the Aaniin Community Centre on 14th Avenue -- will begin taking appointments at 8:30 a.m. at the region’s booking portal or by calling 1-877-464-9675. The appointments are for the week of December 27.

The new appointments are limited to first and second doses for individuals 5 years old and up as well as booster shots for those 50-plus who have had their second dose at least three months ago. Health officials say they are currently prioritizing booster shots for anyone over 50 as this age group is more vulnerable to serious outcomes and illness related to COVID-19.

“To ensure adequate supply of Pfizer in York Region, starting December 27, 2021 at the Richmond Green and Aaniin locations, individuals booking appointments who are age 50+ will receive Moderna and individuals 5 to 11-years-old will continue to receive Paediatric Pfizer,” the health unit said in a statement, noting that both mRNA vaccines offer strong protection and a mixed vaccine series is safe and effective.

Individuals under the age of 50 who are eligible to receive third doses are encouraged to book appointments through the province’s booking portal, select Primary Care offices and pharmacies.