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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca