Select pharmacies across the province are now booking AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine appointments for eligible people ages 40 or older in 2021, according to the Ontario Ministry of Health.
AstraZeneca is distributed in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines from Health Canada and the Ministry of Health. In light of concerns about side effects related to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit advises, "Although studies in Europe have indicated a risk of blood clots when receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, the risk of serious complications linked to COVID-19 is greater than the risk associated with receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine."
In following the Ministry of Health’s recommendations, the Health Unit's "strong recommendation is to get the first COVID-19 vaccine available to you."
According to Health Canada, its position remains "the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine meets its strict safety standards...The results of the ongoing safety assessments have been consistent."
When it comes to the cases of these "very rare events of blood clots associated with low levels of blood platelets following immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine," Health Canada maintains the "potential risk of these events is very rare, and the benefits of the vaccine in protecting against COVID-19 outweigh its potential risks. Health Canada’s findings are based on a sound and thorough review of all evidence available."
Health Canada adds, "In the very rare event that someone experiences unusual blood clots with low platelets, there are treatments available."
See related: Nothing stopping provinces from offering AstraZeneca vaccine to all adults: Hajdu
See also: Province lowers minimum age for AstraZeneca shot to 40 from 55 starting Tuesday
Of course, lowering the age eligibility and vaccinating a wider segment of the population is subject to vaccine availability. Late Monday, Premier Doug Ford's office indicated Ontario could be in for an AstraZeneca vaccine delay.
And, when the eligible vaccine age groups dropped to 55 and up, demand far outpaced supply at local pharmacies.
You must have an appointment to get vaccinated at a participating pharmacy. Contact your closest pharmacy to make an appointment to get the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine if you will be 40 years of age or older this calendar year. You must have a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card or another form of valid government-issued identification.
The Ministry of Health announced three locations in North Bay booking appointments for ages 40 and up:
- Walmart Pharmacy at Northgate Shopping Centre
- Shoppers Drug Mart on Cassells Street
- Northern Shores Pharmacy on Maplewood Avenue
In Sturgeon Falls, Loblaw Pharmacy will offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to ages 40 and up.
For contact information for all of the above locations and instructions on how to book an appointment by phone or online, click here.
COVID-19 vaccines will be administered based on age or personal risk as mandated by the local Health Unit, and not on a first-come, first-served basis. Pharmacies ask members of the public to register at one location only and cancel a registration using the link in the email confirmation if a vaccine has been received elsewhere, such as a Health Unit clinic.
