THUNDER BAY -- Starting on Monday, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit will be offering walk-in vaccination clinics for anyone 12 and older seeking a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Appointments are not required at the CLE Coliseum clinic for walk-ins, though those seeking a second dose will have to book an appointment.
The health unit on Friday reiterated anyone 18 and older, starting on Monday, will be eligible to book an accelerated second dose though the provincial portal, provided it is at least 28 days after they had their first shot administered, or eight weeks for anyone who had an AstraZeneca shot as their first dose.
Appointments will be for either Pfizer or Moderna. Public health officials have stated it is safe to book either mRNA vaccine for a second shot, regardless of which of the three vaccines one might have received for a first dose.
Additional appointments have been opened up at both the Coliseum and Thunder Bay Regional's Bora Laskin building clinic to help accommodate the increased eligibility.
Those booking first doses online are reminded that anyone in the 12- to 17-year-old age category should book at the CLE clinic, where a supply of Pfizer vaccines are guaranteed.
All those eligible may also sign up for the health unit's daily back-up list. Those on the list may be called in the event of a cancellation or no-show, provide they can get to the CLE clinic in a set amount of time.
Vaccine appointments may also be booked at select pharmacies in Thunder Bay.
As of last Saturday, 74 per cent of district of Thunder Bay residents 12 and older had been given at least one dose. The vaccine is not approved for anyone 11 an younger.
