Residents in the region will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment as walk-in clinics open across the region, starting June 14.
Public Health Sudbury & District announced the opening of the clinics on Sunday.
“Anyone who is eligible to receive their first or second dose of vaccine will be welcome to attend these walk-in clinics,” the health unit said. “This approach will allow Public Health to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible and meet the incredible local demand, offering further protection as more individuals are eligible for their first or second doses.”
Public Health Sudbury also acknowledged reported issues in attempting to book vaccinations through the phone system or the online provincial booking system, saying it is “doing everything possible to adapt our approaches to meet local needs.”
The first COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinic will take place in Sudbury on June 14 at Carmichael Arena.
“Individuals who choose to attend the walk-in clinic can expect to wait in line, and this option may not be suitable for those who cannot stand or wait for longer periods of time,” PHSD advised.
“We will do our best to accommodate everyone; however, it is possible there will not be enough doses to offer vaccine to every person that attends a walk-in clinic. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is asking the public for patience and kindness as we roll out this new approach.”
COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinic dates, locations, times and available doses
Espanola
- June 16: Espanola Recreation Centre, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be up to 200 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Greater Sudbury
- June 14: Carmichael Arena, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be up to 450 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
- June 15: Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be up to 500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
- June 16: Centennial Community Centre and Arena (Hanmer), 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be up to 250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
- June 17: Dr. Edgar Leclair Community Centre and Arena (Azilda), 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be up to 150 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
- June 18: Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be up to 450 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Manitoulin Island
- June 15: NEMI Recreation Centre (Little Current), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be up to 180 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Sudbury East
- June 17: St. Charles Community Centre, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be up to 65 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Second dose information
Currenlty, individuals 70 years of age and older in 2021 and those who received a first dose on or before April 18 are eligible to receive their second dose in the region. Individuals are also eligible for their second dose at the original interval if they have certain health conditions or are members of high-risk population groups. If you think you fall into this group, you can find more information about that here.
As the province continues to expand eligibility for shortened second dose intervals, Public Health Sudbury said it will announce those opportunities locally when more details are known. Visit PHSD.ca and/or check the provincial online booking system often for updates and opportunities to book a second dose, the health unit said. New clinics and appointment opportunities are continually announced.
Can I receive a different vaccine for my second dose?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has stated that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can be interchanged for first and second doses, Public Health advised.
“If you got a first dose of a mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), you should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for your second dose if the vaccine supply allows,” the health unit said. “If the same mRNA vaccine is not readily available, another mRNA vaccine can be interchanged to complete the vaccine series. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe to be used together in a vaccine schedule.”
The situation is more flexible if you received the AstraZeneca vaccine as your first dose, PHSD said. If so, you can receive a second dose of AstraZeneca after eight weeks. But you can receive an mRNA like Pfizer or Moderna for your second dose, at a dose interval of eight weeks.
What do I need before attending a walk-in vaccination clinic?
- Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.
- Eat and drink something before you arrive at your appointment to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or t-shirt that allows for easy access to the upper arm.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
- Do not attend the clinic if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
For information on local vaccine eligibility, how to book an appointment, and for upcoming vaccination clinic dates, types, and locations, visit the Public Health Sudbury website. You can find information on the COVID-19 and vaccines on the health unit website or by calling 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
