Public Service Announcement: COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Booking Opens to Child Care Workers in Licensed Child Care Settings and Individuals with High Risk Health Conditions

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON – Child care workers in licensed child care settings and High Risk Individuals who are 18 years of age or older located in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) district are now eligible to book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine by calling the Health Unit. Appointments are available this week.

Child care workers in licensed child care settings will receive a letter from their employer and should have it available when attending their vaccine appointment. Appointment availability for unlicensed child care settings is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition, individuals 18 years of age and older and with the following High Risk health condition are now able to book a vaccine appointment in our district:

• Obesity (Body Mass Index over 40: can be calculated online knowing your height and weight);
• Other treatments causing immunosuppression (for example, chemotherapy, immunity-weakening medications);
• Intellectual or developmental disabilities (for example, Down Syndrome).

The Health Unit reminds the public that pregnant individuals are now also eligible to receive their vaccine against COVID-19. One essential caregiver for those individuals who require regular and sustained assistance with personal care and/or activities of daily living from the High Risk group as well as for pregnant individuals may also book an appointment.

Individuals in these groups can book an appointment by calling the Health Unit Call Centre at 1-800-563-2808. The Health Unit has available appointments in upcoming clinics, including the Memorial Gardens Arena clinic in North Bay on Wednesday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and at the Bobby Orr Arena clinic in Parry Sound from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 29.

As more groups become eligible for appointments, the Health Unit continues to respond to an increased number of calls and is asking the public to be patient.

For more information, visit www.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19Vaccine.

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Media Inquiries:

Catherine Levac-Lafond, Bilingual Media Relations Coordinator
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca