Algoma Public Health will offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 60 and over, as well as to First Nation, Métis and Inuit and non-indigenous households aged 18 and over. Vaccines for COVID-19 are available at local pharmacies, Indigenous-led clinics or selected primary care clinics, and APH vaccination clinics are also available on tour. You can make an appointment online or by phone. For more information, see the press release below. Algoma now offers fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine to eligible groups The Government of Ontario has extended the suitability for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 60 and over, as well as to First Nation, Métis and Inuit and to non-indigenous household members aged 18 and over. Extending fitness for amplifiers provides an extra level of protection against Omicron and BA.2 variants and, in addition to antiviral therapies, is another tool the province uses to live and manage COVID-19. Eligibility and space The fourth installments are offered to eligible individuals within a recommended period of five months (140 days) after receiving their last booster dose (3rd installment). Moderna for people aged 30+ and eligible for a fourth dose Due to the current offer, Algoma Public Health will administer Moderna as a fourth dose to people aged 30+. People aged 18-29 will continue to be offered Pfizer, as it is the recommended product for this age group. The National Immunization Advisory Committee, a Canadian agency that makes informed recommendations for vaccine use in Canada, says blending COVID-19 vaccine brands is safe and effective. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use similar mRNA technology. The vaccines are interchangeable and safe to mix to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine range. Interchangeability of vaccines or mixing of doses is not a new practice in public health. Different vaccine products are commonly used to complete the vaccine series. In addition, many Ontarians and locals received a safe and effective mixed dose of a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. Clinics in Algoma To see all the clinics in Algoma, visit the Vaccine Clinics in Algoma. You can also continue to get your COVID-19 vaccine from local pharmacies, Indigenous-led clinics or selected primary care offices. All COVID-19 clinics hosted by Algoma Public Health throughout the Algoma area receive guided tours. Scheduled appointments will still be available for those who prefer to book a special-time appointment. You can make an appointment online or by phone. To make a reservation by phone, call 705-541-7370 or toll free: 1-888-440-3730 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Importance of information about vaccinations Vaccination remains the best defense against COVID-19, including Omicron and BA.2 variants, and we encourage you to take a fourth dose as soon as you qualify. The protection provided by your main vaccine decreases over time. Booster doses help increase your protection against symptomatic infection and serious outcomes, while helping to reduce transmission across the population. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, talk to a trusted health professional who can answer your questions (eg your GP, a vaccine clinic nurse, etc.). You can also visit the Scarborough Health Networks VaxFacts to book a free telephone consultation with a doctor to get answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Do you need a walk? Free transfer is available for access to COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Sault Ste. Mary. Call PUC Services at 705-759-6522 as soon as you know the clinic you will attend and they will help you book a safe, free transfer to and from your appointment. An accessible means of transport is also available.
