The Porcupine Health Unit has received a new allocation of Moderna vaccines and is offering a number of new vaccination clinics.
People needing a second dose of the Moderna vaccine can attend a drive-thru pop-up clinic this week or book into one of the upcoming clinics.
With nine confirmed cases of the more contagious Delta variant of concern in Timmins, the health unit is moving quickly to vaccinate people.
"Having two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides increased protection against the Delta variant. Many individuals have made the informed and safe decision to follow a mixed mRNA schedule. This means, having a different mRNA (Moderna or Pfizer) vaccine for dose one and two. This is a safe and effective choice that will help us get second doses out quicker. Individuals are encouraged to continue with this option," reads a health unit bulletin.
For people who received AstraZeneca, they can now choose between a second dose AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine at the eight-week interval instead of 12 weeks.
"While waiting 12 weeks helps to ultimately provide more protection, some may choose to receive their second dose sooner to have the increased protection provided by a second dose earlier. All of these options provide protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant, and have been deemed safe," reads the bulletin.
Second doses of Moderna start in Timmins this week and will be extended throughout the district the week of June 21.
The upcoming Timmins clinics for Moderna second doses are:
- Tuesday, June 15 - Porcupine Ambulance Base Station at Northern College, noon - 8 p.m. This is a drive-thru clinic and appointments are not required.
- Wednesday, June 16 - Whitney Arena
- Thursday, June 17 - Whitney Arena
- Friday, June 18 - Whitney Arena
- Saturday, June 19 - Mountjoy Arena
- Sunday, June 20 - Whitney Arena
Book an appointment online here or call 705-360-4819.
For second doses, people must be 16 years or older to receive Pfizer and 18 years or older to receive Moderna. The first dose of an mRNA vaccine must have also been administered at least 28 days ago.
