SUDBURY—Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) continues to offer the updated XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccines throughout the month of December. The XBB-containing formulations better protect you against the Omicron XBB subvariant circulating across our communities. In the month of December, appointments and walk-in vaccination opportunities remain available.
“Please note that beginning in January, PHSD will no longer issue monthly COVID-19 vaccine clinic public service announcements but will continue to post and promote vaccination opportunities on our website and our social media,” a press release reads. “Information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment will be shared in January. This approach is intended to align COVID-19 vaccination efforts with other routine vaccination programs, such as measles, rubella and tetanus.”
The PHSD release explains that additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may also be available through select primary care providers and at participating pharmacies. Visit COVID-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine. “As we approach that time of year when we begin to see rising numbers of respiratory illnesses, PHSD continues to recommend that you stay up to date with your respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza, to build long-term protection against severe disease and hospitalization.”
PHSD provides information about local activity levels of respiratory illness, including COVID-19 influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public health also reports data for active outbreaks in the Sudbury and Manitoulin district. This information is specific to hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and congregate living settings.
“The seasonal flu vaccine is available at many locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers offices. Those receiving a COVID-19 dose at public health clinics will be able to receive a flu shot at the same time until December 22,” continues the release. “Visit us online for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times, locations, and eligible groups at phsd.ca/COIVD-19/vaccine-clinics. Opportunities to access the seasonal flu vaccine may differ throughout our service area each week. If you do not find a clinic in your area, please contact Public Health for more information. High-dose flu vaccination is not available through local public health clinics.”
“Getting a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available is important, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity. Individuals aged six months and older can safely get the seasonal flu vaccine immediately before or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine,” the release notes.
As for vaccination opportunities in December, “Public Health may occasionally need to cancel clinics due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather events that impact clinic operations. In the event a clinic is cancelled, all clients with a booked appointment will be contacted and will be offered an alternate opportunity. For regular updates, follow us on social media @PublicHealthSD on Facebook and X (formerly called Twitter) and visit us online at phsd.ca.”
Wednesday, December 6 appointment and walk-in clinics at Whitefish River First Nation Community Centre, Birch Island. COVID-19 vaccine for those six month and older. Flu shots may be available for those six months and older (walk-in only).
Tuesday, December 12 appointment and walk-in clinic at NEMI Recreation Centre, Little Current, COVID-19 vaccine for those six months and older. Flu shots may be available for those six months and older (walk-in only).
Tuesday, December 19 PHSD Manitoulin Island office, Mindemoya. COVID-19 vaccine for those six months and older. Flu shots may be available for those six months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
