A trio of COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics in Elgin and Oxford counties will close permanently next month.
Southwestern Public Health announced Tuesday that its clinics in Woodstock, St. Thomas, and Tillsonburg will shutdown on February 17 after nearly two years of operation and close to half a million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
The health unit said the local vaccination campaign, which began in March 2021, became the largest undertaking in the organization’s history. At its peak, more than 2,500 people were vaccinated at SWPH clinics per day. As of late January 2023, over 480,000 vaccines have been administered to more than 209,000 people. Now that demand can be met by staff during regular hours, the health unit said there is no longer a need for the clinics.
“It has taken hundreds of staff, dozens of volunteers, and the commitment of innumerable partners to stand these clinics up and keep them operating for nearly two years,” said SWPH Program Manager Jaime Fletcher. “Moreover, thousands of community members championed the benefits of vaccination, shared our information on social media, provided rides to those needing them, and encouraged friends and families to get vaccinated. This milestone is shared by all of you.”
While the walk-in and appointment based COVID-19 vaccine clinics are ending next month, community members looking to get vaccinated after February 17 may do so by visiting the province’s vaccine booking website, 0r by calling the toll-free number at 1-833-943-3900.
Anyone who is more than six months out from their last dose is encouraged to visit the clinics before they close between 9 a.m. and noon or 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
