Point Edward, ON – In an effort to shield our most vulnerable and provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and its variants (including Omicron), Lambton Public Health (LPH) is increasing opportunities for third dose (booster) vaccinations to individuals 70 years of age and older in the next week.
To date, 12,000 booster shots have been administered to the residents of Lambton County with an additional 13,000 booked appointments at upcoming LPH clinics. This number includes other eligible groups like health-care workers and Indigenous populations 12 years of age and older.
“LPH has now provided booster doses to 34 percent of Lambton residents aged 70+ with a projected coverage rate of 57 percent based on upcoming bookings,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for the County of Lambton. “Due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant and the potential for a higher risk of severe illness in older populations, I’m strongly urging all residents 70 years of age and older get their booster shot as soon as possible. Please book your appointment using our online system, check with your local pharmacy or contact our Vaccine Call Centre if you have trouble booking online.”
Clinic appointments are added regularly, so residents are encouraged check online or to call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331. Around 700 additional appointments for 70+ third dose boosters will be added between now and December 30.
Beginning on Monday, December 20, individuals 18 years of age and older will be eligible to schedule their third (booster) dose appointment. The new minimum interval between the second and third dose for all individuals (aged 18+) is now 84 days (3 months). However, current clinics in December are fully booked, so this newly eligible group can expect to schedule an appointment at an LPH clinic starting in January/February 2022. The health unit will continue to open additional clinics to meet demand. Residents are asked to check GetTheVaccine.ca regularly for updates.
“If you are under the age of 70 years old and have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine you are well protected against severe illness as a result of COVID-19 and its variants,” said Dr. Ranade. “At this time, we need to focus on getting first and second doses into those who have yet to be vaccinated, and to protect our vulnerable populations by getting them a third (booster) dose as soon as possible. Please be patient, as we continue to work through the challenges of expanding the vaccine rollout quickly.” LPH also encourages anyone who is eligible for a third dose, but cannot book into one of our clinics, to seek their booster shot at one of several local pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines. A full list of Lambton pharmacies offering the vaccine is on LPH’s website. Some local primary care providers are also administering COVID-19 vaccines. Please call them directly to confirm.
For the latest updates on Lambton County’s COVID-19 Immunization Rollout or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment please visit GetTheVaccine.ca. Lambton Public Health is also available to assist from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 519-383-8331.
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