Public Service Announcement: COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available for Highest Risk Individuals with Health Conditions and their Essential Caregiver

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has begun booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Highest Risk Individuals with health conditions and their essential caregivers. Individuals in this group who are 18 years of age and older and have a letter of confirmation from the health care provider treating them for the highest risk condition can book an appointment by calling the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808, or by phoning the provincial booking line at 1-833-943-3900. They will also be eligible to book an appointment using the online provincial booking system starting Sunday, April 18 at 8 a.m.

 The below conditions are considered Highest Risk by the province:

• Immunocompromising conditions and immunosuppressive therapies
• Transplant recipients
• Cancer patients on active treatment (not solely radiation and or hormonal therapy)
• Stable, active treatment for malignant hematologic disorders and non-hematologic malignant solid tumors

One essential caregiver accompanying the above individuals will also be able to book an appointment.

To ensure vaccine is administered following Ontario’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, individuals in this group can expect to answer specific questions when booking an appointment to confirm eligibility. As this group is considered Highest Risk, appointments for a second dose can take place as early as 26 days following the first dose if a note from a physician is presented at their first appointment.

The Health Unit Call Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to book appointments and accommodate an anticipated increase in calls. Individuals looking to book an appointment are encouraged to use the online booking system if they are able.

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