City has 40,000 vaccination appointments available, new groups eligible for drop-ins

OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reports there are plenty of vaccination appointments available as well as new groups now eligible for drop-in shots.

“Now is the time to get your COVID-19 booster and increase your protection against severe illness as the Omicron variant surges in our community,” OPH staff released in a statement yesterday (Jan. 9). “OPH has more than 40,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for the week of Jan. 10. The appointments are available to eligible Ottawa residents who are in need of a first, second, or booster dose.”

For more information on how to book, visit Ottawa Public Health’s vaccine website.

Effective today (Jan. 10), OPH is increasing drop-in eligibility at certain community clinics to prioritize immunizing these four groups:

• Individuals aged 60 and older
• Educational and childcare workers (Teachers, education workers and childcare workers (this includes, but is not limited to principals, teachers, assistants, cleaners, office staff, early childhood educators, bus drivers etc.) working or resident in the Ottawa)
• Healthcare workers (see Appendix B on Page 19: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations)
• Pregnant individuals

Residents in these priority groups can drop-in to the following clinics at any time moving forward:

• EY Centre – 4899 Uplands Drive
  Jan. 10 – onward: 7:45 a.m. to 8:10 p.m.
• University of Ottawa – Minto Sports Complex – 801 King Edward Ave.
  Jan. 10 – onward:  7:45 a.m. to 8:10 p.m.
• Nepean Sportsplex (Curling Rink – Entrance 4)– 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
  Jan. 10 – onward: 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccination clinic for residents aged 60 and older, and pregnant individuals

“OPH has increased capacity to better serve older adults 60 years and older in the Ottawa community who still require a third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as for pregnant individuals seeking a first, second, or booster dose at the Nepean Sportsplex,” OPH said. “Adults over 60 remain at greater risk for serious illness and complications from COVID-19. For many, their immunity is likely to have decreased and getting a third (booster) dose ensures they are as protected as possible against serious illness and complications from COVID-19.”

Adults aged 60 and older who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and at least 84 days (three months) have passed since their last dose are encouraged to contact OPH’s booking line today to book an appointment.

“For pregnant individuals, getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent complications or bad outcomes for parent and baby,” OPH said. “Like everyone else, most pregnant people have mild COVID-19. However, pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe illness requiring hospital care and admission to the intensive care unit compared to those who are not pregnant. The antibodies a pregnant individual makes from the vaccine pass to the baby and help protect the baby after birth. Giving birth too early in pregnancy (preterm birth), having a caesarean delivery and having a baby admitted into a neonatal intensive care unit is more common in pregnant people with severe COVID-19.”

Pregnant individuals needing a COVID-19 vaccine, either first, second or booster dose are encouraged to call OPH’s booking line today.

Clinic details:

• Nepean Sportsplex, (Halls A & B) – 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
• Jan. 10 to 13 from 12:45 to 7:15 p.m.
• Jan.14 to 16 from 9:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• By appointment only – call OPH directly at 613-691-5505 to book

For the latest updates, visit OPH’s clinic information page.

“Vaccinations and the public health measures in place for limiting COVID-19 transmission are our best strategy to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our frontline workers, to keep our healthcare system functioning effectively by slowing the spread of COVID-19 and support the full resumption of business and in-person learning,” OPH said.

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19 to learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and others and what to do if you suspect you may be infected with the virus.