The first COVID-19 vaccine clinics for people 80 years and over start Friday.
The Porcupine Health Unit has announced clinics for Friday, March 12 in Timmins and Smooth Rock Falls. It is for people who were born in 1941 or earlier.
Both clinics run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Timmins clinic is at the Mountjoy Arena. In Smooth Rock Falls, it will be held at the SRF Community Hall. So far, the health unit has only received the Moderna vaccine.
Appointments are required and walk-ins will not be accepted. People in the Timmns and Smooth Rock Falls area who qualify for this clinic can book an appointment online here or call 1-800-461-1818.
"Caregivers for individuals over the age of 80 years of age can also book online or contact the health unit on behalf of the individual who qualifies. At this time, caregivers who don’t meet the age requirements are not eligible to the COVID 19 vaccine," reads the PHU announcement.
This only the start of clinics for this priority group, according to the health unit.
"If you live in other parts of the PHU region or if you were not able to schedule an appointment at these clinics, please be patient. More vaccine clinics for this age group are being planned in the PHU region over the next few weeks. We will let you know as dates, times and locations are confirmed," said the health unit.
For people who do get an appointment for the vaccination, the health unit has a few tips. They are:
- Do not arrive early. People will not be allowed into the clinic before their appointment time.
- Do not gather outside.
- Bring a mask and your health card.
More information about the vaccine is available here.
