Health unit announces two additional COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Middlesex-London

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has announced preparations are underway to open two additional COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the region.

The two locations are:

• North London Optimist Community Centre, 1345 Cheapside Street (North London)
• Earl Nichols Recreation Centre, 799 Homeview Road (South London)

Another clinic at the Caradoc Community Centre in Mount Brydges that was announced on Feb. 4. will be opening its doors on Thursday.

"We are committed to supporting our health care partners and our community by ensuring that when we need them, we have facilities available and ready to be used when the time comes for the delivery of vaccines to move into the broader community phases," said London Mayor Ed Holder in a statement.

Currently, the Agriplex at the Western Fair District is the only COVID-19 vaccine clinic that has been operating in the region, along with on-site inoculations at long-term care facilities. The facility was shut down following a vaccine shortage in January, but reopened on Feb. 8.

The work required at the North London Optimist Centre and the Earl Nichols Recreation Centre is expected to take several weeks before health care workers can begin vaccinations. Both sites are expected to remain in operation until at least the fall.

"These facilities will allow us to expand COVID-19 vaccination efforts in our community, once more vaccine becomes available," said Dr. Chris Mackie, the Medical Officer of Health for the MLHU in a statement. "These sites will provide more flexibility and choice once we are able to scale up the daily delivery of COVID-19 vaccine and increase the number of people who can get vaccinated according to the Province's prioritization framework."

Physicians and medical teams working to treat COVID-19 patients are among the latest wave of people eligible to receive a vaccine in the London region. New doses have arrived in the region, which means health officials can now expand the inoculation list.

There is no firm date for when vaccinations will begin for the general population in the region.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the MLHU website.