KENORA, Ont. — Residents of the western half of Northwestern Ontario are receiving expedited access to the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The Northwestern Health Unit – based in Kenora – is now opening vaccinations to anyone 18 or over who had a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days earlier.
It announced the move "after seeing a lot of interest and long line-ups at some clinics last week," it said in a news release Wednesday.
The expanded program does not apply to residents living within the jurisdiction of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
NWHU said second doses can be booked online using the health unit's booking site or by calling 1-866-468-2240.
Although NWHU has been offering some walk-in spots when clinics are not fully booked, officials recommend making an appointment to avoid waiting in a long line-up on vaccination day.
Individuals who were previously booked for a second-dose appointment may disregard that and either book a new appointment now or attend a walk-in clinic.
Information about the walk-in clinics is available on the NWHU website.
People who received the AstraZeneca vaccine as a first dose are eligible to receive their second dose of that vaccine 56 days later.
