COVID-19 vaccination clinics are ready to administer fourth doses for 60+

Southwestern Public Health has adjusted its COVID-19 vaccination clinics to align with provincial timelines for expanded fourth dose eligibility.

Starting April 7 at 9 a.m., the health unit’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics in St. Thomas and Woodstock will welcome individuals eligible for a fourth dose on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine for clinic days and hours of operation, closed noon to 1 p.m. daily.

Pop-up vaccination clinics are paused between April 7 to 14 to increase staffing at the health unit’s core vaccination clinics. The Tillsonburg clinics on April 14 and 28, and scheduled GO-VAXX Bus clinics in the region will continue as planned – visit the GO-VAXX Bus website for locations. Pharmacies and participating health care providers are also offering fourth dose vaccines to eligible individuals. 

“As with many other vaccines, global research for the COVID-19 vaccine shows efficacy decreases over time. It is important for individuals who are most vulnerable to seek a fourth dose to increase protection against severe illness,” says Jaime Fletcher, Chief Nursing Officer, and Program Manager of the COVID-19 Vaccination effort at Southwestern Public Health.

Southwestern Public Health anticipates high interest in fourth doses and asks the public for patience. If there is a line at a clinic, please return at a less busy time.

As of April 7, provincial fourth dose eligibility includes: people aged 60 and older; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older; and anyone already eligible for a fourth dose. It is advised to wait five months between third and fourth dose for maximum efficacy; however, a fourth dose can be administered as early as three months since the third dose. It is also advised to wait at least 3 months since a COVID-19 infection before accepting a COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no fifth dose eligibility in the Province for COVID-19 vaccines.