New COVID-19 vaccination options for prioritized Ottawa populations, occupations

OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Heath (OPH) is implementing new vaccination options to increase the ease and availability of receiving a vaccine for prioritized populations including an online pre-registration tool for drop-in appointments and a specialized vaccine clinic.

These prioritized populations include residents aged 60 and older, educational and childcare workers, employees, volunteers and caregivers of residents of long-term care homes, and pregnant individuals.

OPH has increased drop-in capacity at certain community clinics to prioritize immunizing these four groups:

• Individuals aged 60 and older
• Educational and childcare workers
• Employees, volunteers and caregivers of residents of long-term care and retirement homes
• Pregnant individuals

“Starting today (Jan. 6), residents in these priority groups can submit information via OPH’s new online COVID-19 vaccine drop-in pre-registration tool to access a drop-in appointment at a nearby clinic,” OPH staff released in a statement. “This tool screens for eligibility while collecting information about location preference to ensure a registered individual is notified quickly when a drop-in spot at a nearby vaccine clinic becomes available. If a clinic has same-day openings, individuals who register will be contacted by email or text message and asked to confirm their ability to attend a clinic.”

OPH has increased capacity to better serve older adults in the Ottawa community who still require a third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

OPH opened a COVID-19 booster clinic at the Nepean Sportsplex for residents aged 60 and older eligible for a third dose.

“Adults over 60 remain at greater risk for serious illness and complications from COVID-19,” staff said. “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.

Clinic details:

Nepean Sportsplex, Halls A & B, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue

• Jan. 6 from 12:45 to 7:15 p.m.
• Jan. 7 to 9 from 9:45 am 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 staff 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.