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Memorial Gardens pressed into service as demand for COVID third dose vaccine surges

'We are seeing much larger numbers of cases both provincially and locally, and the Omicron variant has been identified in our district'
20210403 covid clinic Memorial Gardens turl
The COVID vaccination clinic will reopen at Memorial Gardens. Courtesy NBPSHU.

Due to what the Health Unit is calling, "the incredible uptake of COVID-19 third doses," Memorial Gardens will again be home to mass vaccination clinics.

Health Care Providers from the North Bay Regional Health Centre will also be on hand to help support vaccinations.

Clinic dates are as follows:

  • Monday Dec. 27: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday Dec. 28: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday Dec. 29: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday Dec. 30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You are encouraged to book an appointment at COVID-19.Ontario.ca/book-vaccine or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900

Walk-ins will not be accepted.

The City, Battalion, which instead, will be holding practices at Pete Palangio Arena, and local hospital are joining the Health Unit in the effort.

“Without the effort and collaboration from all parties involved, we would not be able to open up the thousands of additional appointment times,” explains Shannon Mantha, Chief Nursing Officer.

Due to the provincial delay in shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Unit is following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and is prioritizing the use of the available doses of Pfizer for people 12 to 29.

"As Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are interchangeable for those 30 and older, there is no need for individuals to change their appointment," says a news release.

“We are seeing much larger numbers of cases both provincially and locally, and the Omicron variant has been identified in our district," states Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Public Health Physician. "It will be very important for those who are able to, to get their third doses as soon as possible. This is especially important in those who are immunocompromised or elderly.”

Initial research on both Moderna and Pfizer booster doses is showing strong efficacy against Omicron.