Two area COVID-19 mass immunization clinics to remain open until end of 2021

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department and Lakeridge Health have extended the timeline for two area COVID-19 mass immunization clinics to remain open until the end of 2021. The clinics located in Ajax and Oshawa were slated to close by mid to late September, but both clinics will now remain open joining the list of walk-in, pop-up and mobile clinics being offered in numerous communities throughout Durham Region.

Both COVID-19 immunization clinics at the Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax and the Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa will remain open to the public at this time, providing access for both walk-in opportunities and booking appointments. For clinic addresses, hours of operation or to book an appointment, see www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

The decision to extend the operation of these stationary clinics is to help address an increased demand for COVID-19 vaccine following recent vaccine-related provincial announcements including, mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in high-risk settings as of Sept. 7 and proof of COVID-19 vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings, effective Sept. 22.

Since Sept. 1, the Health Department has seen a steady uptake in vaccinations with almost 6,000 individuals receiving a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. To date in Durham Region, 83 per cent of residents 18 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with 78 per cent of individuals in this age group being fully vaccinated. For residents 12 and older, almost 82 per cent have received at least one dose, while 77 per cent are now fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for anyone 12 and older, including individuals who are turning 12 in 2021. In addition to the mass immunization clinics and other clinics in the community, the Health Department is hosting COVID-19 immunization clinics in numerous secondary schools throughout Durham Region. School clinics are open to all secondary school and the elementary feeder school staff, students, and their families 12 and older, including youth who will be turning 12 in 2021. For more information on all area clinics, including clinic dates and locations, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

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Read this press release on the Region of Durham's website.