After 3 years, Western Fair COVID-19 vaccine site to close down operations
Vaccines will continue to be available at pharmacies and with health-care providers
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is closing its mass vaccination clinic in mid-December.
The clinic was in operation for three years at the Western Fair District. It first opened in partnership with London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) at the Western Fair Agriplex in December 2020. It then relocated to the Western Fair District's main building in October 2022.
"We learned so much," said MLHU's medical officer of health, Dr. Alex Summers. "We feel better prepared for future pandemics because of the experience that we've gained through the most recent one."
Between the two locations, the clinic operated for a total of 518 days and provided 235,407 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the public.
More than 150 staff members from 10 partnering organizations, along with 100 physicians and 400 MLHU staff members, took part in running the facility. The Western Fair District vaccination clinic also provided school immunization services and offered co-administration of the influenza vaccine in the fall of 2023.
Summers called the closure "not just the end of a chapter, but a testament to the resilience and strength of our community in the face of unprecedented challenges."
Walk-ins are still welcome at the clinic during operational hours until doors close for good on December 16.
After that, Londoners can contact pharmacies or their health care provider to confirm vaccine availability and book appointments.