Accelerated rebooking of vaccine appointments expanded
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is expanding vaccination rebooking availability to anyone who received their first dose on or before May 30.
The expansion means an additional 75,000 to 80,000 people are now eligible to rebook their second doses starting Thursday.
Fortunately, a new vaccine shipment expected this weekend means the addition of 40,000 appointments at mass vaccination clinics and 2,000 through primary care physicians.
Residents are reminded, however, that they must book their second shot appointment at least 28 days after their first dose if they got an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their first dose.
MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie says, "So even if you're eligible to rebook earlier, you still have to wait until 28 days after your first dose and you will be declined at the clinic if you come before 28 days after your first dose."
Anyone who received an Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose must schedule their second dose at least eight weeks after their first dose, regardless of whether they are receiving another AstraZeneca dose or an mRNA vaccine for the second shot.
Most of the new appointments are being made available at the Western Fair District Agriplex and the Earl Nichols Arena vaccination centres, but appointments at pop-op clinics are also available.
Appointments in the system can be booked up to one month ahead, or check with your local pharmacy or primary health care provider for other options.
Mackie stresses that, "With the increasing numbers of the Delta variant, it is so important for people to get that second dose."
The Delta variant, which originated in India, spreads more easily and a single vaccine dose is not as protective against it compared to other variants.
Health officials hope to open rebooking to the entire population as soon as Monday.
If you are eligible to rebook visit covidvaccinelm.ca or call 226-289-3560 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.