Drug warning: Increase in suspected opioid overdoses

The Community Drug Strategy (CDS) for the City of Greater Sudbury has received reports of a higher number of suspected opioid overdoses in the past 48 hours and a more potent drug supply circulating within Greater Sudbury.

While we cannot confirm the substance that has caused the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos, fentanyl, or carfentanil, and that even a very small amount of these substances can cause an overdose.

An overdose occurs when a person uses more of a substance, or combination of substances, than their body can handle. As a consequence, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal.

Prevent opioid overdose / save lives:

Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and illegal drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
Carry a naloxone kit.
Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Overdose symptoms include:

fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
skin turns bluish purple, grayish or ashen depending on skin tone
dizziness and confusion
the person can’t be woken up
choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
slow, weak or no breathing
drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) toxicity/overdose may last for hours and look like:

extreme sleepiness or passing out
poor balance and movement control
slurred speech
blackouts and memory loss

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) can be powerful sedatives also known as etizolam, Valium, Xanax, Ativan, clonazepam, Xylazine. Benzo toxicity on top of an opioid overdose might make a person unconscious for a long time. Benzos and opioids when taken together increase the risk of overdose and death.

How to respond to opioid overdose and benzo toxicity:

GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse the opioid overdose. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation from benzos.
Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring their breathing.

Please distribute this information widely to help share the message.

This item was last modified on October 8, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of potential low-risk public exposure to COVID-19

Public Health is advising anyone who dined indoors at Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar (1070 Kingsway) in Greater Sudbury on September 18, 2021, between 8 and 10 p.m. of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19. This potential exposure notice does not apply to patrons who dined in the outdoor patio section of the restaurant.

Actions to take:

Any individual who was present on the date and time listed in the potential exposure above is advised to follow public health guidance:

Self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days from potential exposure.
Self-isolate immediately if symptoms develop.
Seek testing if symptoms occur.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 to learn more about self-monitoring, self-isolation, symptoms, and testing.

If needed, COVID-19 testing appointments can be arranged through the Health Sciences North Assessment Centre: the preferred option is to request an appointment online (Health Sciences North, https://secure.hsnsudbury.ca/COVID19AppointmentRequest) or call 705.671.7373 during regular business hours.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the more transmissible variants of concern. The safest options are to limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, avoid non-essential travel, and remember to practise physical distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands. For all outings, continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on September 22, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of three potential low-risk public exposures to COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of three low-risk public exposures to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 1

Public Health is advising is advising patrons who attended Surplus Furniture and Mattress Warehouse (670 Falconbridge Road) in Greater Sudbury on September 7, 8, 9, and September 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2021, of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 2

Public Health is advising anyone who attended a social gathering in the woods near École secondaire Hanmer (4800 Notre Dame Avenue) in Hanmer on September 10, 2021, between 8 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 3

Public Health is advising anyone who attended an outdoor concert at the Grotto (271 Van Horne Street) in Greater Sudbury on September 12, 2021, of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Actions to take:

Any individual who was present on the date and time listed in the potential exposures above is advised to follow public health guidance:

Self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days from potential exposure.
Self-isolate immediately if symptoms
Seek testing if symptoms occur.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 to learn more about self-monitoring, self-isolation, symptoms, and testing.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on September 18, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of four potential low-risk public exposures to COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of four low-risk public exposures to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 1

Public Health is advising anyone who dined at Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar (1070 Kingsway) in Greater Sudbury on September 1, 2021, of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 2

Public Health is advising any passenger that rode GOVA Route #102 on September 9, 2021, between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., departing from the Shoppers Drug Mart in the New Sudbury Centre of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 3

Public Health is advising patrons who attended the New Sudbury Centre (1349 Lasalle Blvd) in Greater Sudbury on September 11, 2021, between 4:45 and 5:10 p.m. of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Potential exposure 4

Public Health is advising anyone who dined at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar (1396 Kingsway) in Greater Sudbury on September 11, 2021, between 5:30 and 7 p.m. of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Actions to take:

Any individual who was present on the date and time listed in the potential exposures above is advised to follow public health guidance:

Self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days from potential exposure.
Self-isolate immediately if symptoms develop.
Seek testing if symptoms occur.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 to learn more about self-monitoring, self-isolation, symptoms, and testing.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on September 17, 2021

Swimming advisory lifted: Greater Sudbury

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has removed the swimming advisory signs at the following beach:

Northern Water Sports Centre – Ramsey Lake, Greater Sudbury

The most recent water samples taken at the beach by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are within acceptable bacteriological water quality standards for bathing beaches. As a result, the beach water quality is once again considered suitable for recreational use.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts takes routine water samples regularly during the summer from 32 local beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit www.phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on August 14, 2021

Drug warning: Increase in suspected opioid overdoses

While we cannot confirm the substance that has caused the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as fentanyl or carfentanil, and that even a very small amount of these substances can cause an overdose.

Prevent opioid overdose / save lives:

Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter and illegal drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
Carry a naloxone kit.
Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Overdose symptoms include:

fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
skin turns bluish purple, grayish or ashen depending on skin tone
dizziness and confusion
the person can’t be woken up
choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
slow, weak or no breathing
drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

Please distribute this information widely to help share the message.

This item was last modified on August 13, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of a potential high-risk public exposure to COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk public exposure to COVID-19, specifically for anyone who travelled on Air Canada flight AC130 from Calgary to Toronto on July 29, 2021, and flight AC8607 from Toronto to Sudbury on July 29, 2021. Those seated in rows 19 to 23 on flight AC130 from Calgary to Toronto are considered high-risk close contacts. Those seated in rows 1 to 4, and row 13 on flight AC8607 from Toronto to Sudbury are considered high-risk close contacts.

Actions to take:

Passengers seated in the rows indicated above on Air Canada flights AC130 and AC8607, on July 29, 2021, are advised to follow public health guidance:

Immediately self-isolate
Book a COVID-19 test as soon as possible
Contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), ext. 718 or your local public health unit for further direction

All other passengers on Air Canada flights AC130 and AC8607, on July 29, 2021, are advised to follow public health guidance:

Self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from potential exposure
Self-isolate immediately if symptoms occur
Seek testing if symptoms occur

Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 to learn more about self-monitoring, self-isolation, symptoms, and testing.

COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19 and its variants. With the Delta variant spreading throughout the province and dominant in the area, local case counts vulnerable to rapid change. As the COVID-19 Delta variant can spread more easily and is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death as compared with the Alpha variant, its more important than ever to get vaccinated. A single dose of vaccine does not provide adequate protection from the Delta variant. This means that two-dose vaccine coverage is important for everyone. Given how infectious Delta is, vaccination rates need to be as high as possible to protect against community spread.

Individuals 12 and up should book an appointment, attend a walk-in, pop-up, or mobile clinic for their first dose and get their second dose as soon as possible. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for a list of pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccination and booking information. Some primary care providers also offer vaccination against COVID-19.

Updates about COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations, dates, and times will be shared on Public Health’s social media channels and online as plans are confirmed. Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics for the most up-to-date schedule.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the more transmissible Delta variant. The safest options are to limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, avoid non-essential travel. Remember to practise physical distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands. For all outings, continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on August 7, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of a potential high-risk public exposure to COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk of exposure to COVID-19, specifically for anyone who attended a social gathering at 1900 Wikwemikong Way, including Zipp-Thru Gas Bar and Hiawatha’s food truck, on Saturday, July 31, 2021. In addition, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is working with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) after ISC declared a community COVID-19 outbreak on August 5, 2021.

Actions to take:

Anyone who attended the social gathering, including Zipp-Thru Gas Bar and Hiawatha’s food truck, on July 31, is advised to follow public health guidance:

You should seek COVID-19 testing as soon as possible. In addition to this, if you are symptomatic or become symptomatic at any time, even if you have previously tested negative, you should seek testing as soon as possible.
Please contact your local Community Health Centre or public health unit for further direction on isolation.

Individuals can follow the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory Facebook page for updates.

COVID-19 testing

If needed, COVID-19 testing appointments can be arranged through the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) assessment centre (http://www.mhc.on.ca/covid-19). Clients MUST call MHC (Mindemoya 705.377.5311, Little Current 705.368.2300). The assessment centre hours are Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Little Current) and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Little Current). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, paramedicine COVID-19 community response team can provide home swabbing by referral, all bookings are completed through MHC. Contact your local public health unit for COVID-19 testing information.

COVID-19 vaccination

Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Manitoulin Island

Appointment and walk-in clinic

Tuesday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Manitoulin Secondary School. mRNA vaccine: Pfizer-BioNTech.

Appointment only, by phone

Tuesday, August 10, Manitoulin Secondary School. Please call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505). mRNA vaccine: Moderna.

Mobile clinics

Friday, August 13, Assiginack Farmer’s Market, 15589 Highway 6, On-6, Manitowaning, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, August 13, Municipal Parking Lot, 17 Manitowaning Road, Little Current, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on August 7, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts reports human case of Lyme Disease

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has received laboratory results confirming an adult from the Manitoulin District has tested positive for Lyme disease.

Although the risk of contracting Lyme disease remains low, people need to protect themselves when enjoying the outdoors. Blacklegged ticks infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease have been found in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts in past years, however, they are commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, and the St. Lawrence River, as well as in the Rainy River area of northwestern Ontario.

“People enjoying the outdoors need to check for ticks immediately after activities like gardening or hiking. This is one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself from Lyme disease,” said Adam Ranger, an environmental support officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Blacklegged ticks do not jump or fly. They wait on grass and bushes for animals or humans to brush against the vegetation. Ticks vary in size and colour and can be hard to see until they are full of blood.

Avoiding a tick bite in the first place is best. To prevent tick bites:

Avoid walking in tall grass.
Make sure yards are kept clear of debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees.
Keep wood piles and bird feeders away from homes.
Wear a long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Use insect repellents that are approved by Health Canada and follow the application recommendations on the package.
Do a tick check.
Take a shower after outdoor activities to help wash off ticks that have not yet attached themselves to the skin.

If you find a tick attached to a human:

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin and gently pull straight up.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Put the tick in a dry container and bring it to your local public health unit to be sent for identification and testing for Lyme disease.
Follow up with your health care provider to determine if you need treatment, especially if the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications to the heart, joints, and nervous system.

Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may include:

A characteristic rash around the area of the bite that looks like a red bull’s eye.
Fever, headache, muscle and joint pain.
Fatigue, stiff neck, and swollen glands.

For more information on Lyme disease and ticks, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on July 30, 2021

Anyone 18 and over can book an appointment for an accelerated second dose effective Monday, June 28

Starting Monday, June 28, 2021, at 8 a.m., anyone aged 18 and over in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts who received their first dose of an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) vaccine will be eligible to book an appointment to receive their second dose ahead of schedule. On June 24, 2021, Public Health expanded second dose eligibility for its walk-in clinics to anyone aged 18 and over who received their first dose of vaccine more than 21 days ago (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 28 days ago (Moderna). Anyone who received AstraZeneca 56 days ago (at least 8 weeks) and who wishes to receive an mRNA vaccine is currently able to book their second dose.

To ensure maximum protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant, anyone 18 and over should attend a walk-in clinic or, beginning on Monday, book their second dose as soon as possible. To support a safe return to school in September, the province will be looking to accelerate second dose appointment bookings for youth aged 12 to 17. Public Health will share more information on how to book a second dose for this age group in the coming weeks.

Vaccine interchangeability

If your first vaccine was an mRNA vaccine, you can get either mRNA vaccine for your second dose. All Public Health-led clinics offer mRNA vaccines. Details about which mRNA vaccine is planned for upcoming Public Health clinics are available at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics, subject to change based on vaccine availability.

Booking an appointment to get your second dose sooner: adults 18 and over

As of Monday, June 28, the provincial online booking system will allow those 18 and over to book an appointment at a minimum of 28 days after a first dose.

Book online

Starting Monday, June 28, 2021, at 8 a.m., visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.

Book by phone

Starting Monday, June 28, 2021, at 8 a.m., call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Walk-in clinics

Public Health is continually monitoring and adjusting our approaches to be able to offer COVID-19 vaccines. Check phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics for the most up-to-date vaccination options, including additional walk-in clinic opportunities.

Public Health has added a new walk-in clinic, tomorrow, June 26, 2021, at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. There will be up to 650 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Eligibility criteria for Public Health walk-in clinics:

Anyone 12+ who is seeking a first dose at clinics offering Pfizer-BioNTech, or anyone 18+ at clinics offering Moderna.
Anyone 18+ who received their first dose of vaccine more than 21 days ago (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 28 days ago (Moderna).
Anyone who received AstraZeneca 56 days ago (at least 8 weeks) and who wishes to receive an mRNA vaccine.

Individuals who choose to attend a walk-in clinic can expect to wait in line, and this option may not be suitable for those who cannot stand or wait for longer periods of time. We will do our best to accommodate everyone; however, it is possible there will not be enough doses to offer vaccine to every person that attends a walk-in clinic.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on September 21, 2021

Youth and family COVID-19 vaccination clinics are being scheduled for June and booking for limited youth spots is opening Sunday, May 23, 2021

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is working with area school boards, First Nations, and urban Indigenous partners to schedule special COVID-19 vaccine clinics starting the week of June 7 for youth and families. This initiative is part of the provincial plan to offer both doses of vaccine to youth aged 12 to 17 by the end of August. Youth and families will soon receive details about how to register for the upcoming June clinics.

The province has also announced that starting Sunday, May 23, 2021, at 8 a.m., the provincial booking system will be opened to allow youth aged 12 and over to book an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, only limited spots will be available through the booking system.

The youth and family initiative scheduled in June means that everyone who wishes to receive a vaccine will have the opportunity to do so. Vaccine is being dedicated for this purpose over a three-week period starting June 7. More details will be communicated soon and Public Health appreciates everyone’s ongoing patience.

How to book an appointment in a Public Health clinic

All vaccination clinics are by appointment only and COVID-safe measures are in place. You must not attend a clinic if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are in isolation due to a COVID-19 exposure. Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics for details on local vaccine eligibility, for booking information, and for upcoming vaccination clinic dates and locations.

Book online

Starting May 23, youth aged 12 and over at the time of booking and their eligible family members can use the provincial system to book an appointment online. Online booking is a simple and efficient process and helps reduce call volumes. Individuals can also help people who are eligible by booking an appointment on their behalf.

Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

Individuals who are not 12 years old on Sunday, May 23, 2021, or at the time they book online, can book an appointment for a later date through the call centre.

Book by phone

Starting May 23, youth aged 12 and over at the time of immunization and their eligible family members can also call to book an appointment. Individuals can also help people who are eligible by calling to book an appointment on their behalf.

Call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Individuals must be aged 12 and over at the time of immunization to receive the vaccine.

By the numbers

As of Friday, May 21, 2021, a total of 104 695 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered locally: 92 217 people received their first dose, and 12 478 people have been fully vaccinated.

For more information or if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Public Health returns all calls received; however, at times, inquiry volumes are high. Patience is appreciated.

This item was last modified on May 22, 2021

Starting Tuesday, May 11, individuals with at-risk health conditions and essential workers in Group 2 can book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, adults 40 years of age and older in 2021 can book starting Thursday, May 13

As more COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out locally, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is pleased to announce increased eligibility for individuals wishing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Tuesday, May 11, those with at-risk health conditions (Government of Ontario) and essential workers in Group 2 (Government of Ontario) of the province’s Phase 2 schedule can book an appointment by phone or online. Starting Thursday, May 13, adults 40 years of age and older in 2021 (born 1981 or earlier) can book an appointment by phone or online.

Essential workers who cannot work from home identified in Group 2 include:

Essential and critical retail workers (including grocery, foodbank, pharmacy, ServiceOntario, ServiceCanada, Passport Canada, wholesalers and general goods, restaurant, LCBO workers)
Workers in manufacturing industries directly involved in supporting the COVID-19 response, construction (including infrastructure) and other essential businesses and services where facilities are at heightened risk for COVID-19 outbreaks and spread
Social workers and social services staff who provide in-person client services (including youth justice workers, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program case workers)
Courts and justice system workers (including probation and parole workers)
Transportation, warehousing and distribution workers (including public transit workers, taxi drivers, truck drivers supporting essential services, marine and rail cargo and maintenance, highway maintenance)
Electricity (including system operations, generation, transmission, distribution and storage workers)
Communications infrastructure workers (including cellular, satellite, landline, internet, public safety radio)
Water and wastewater management workers
Financial services workers (bank branch staff)
Veterinarians and veterinary teams
Waste management workers
Oil and petroleum workers (including petroleum refineries, crude oil and petroleum storage, transmission and distribution, retail sale of fuel)
Natural gas and propane gas workers (including compression, storage, transmission and distribution of natural gas and propane)
Mine workers (including those needed to ensure the continued operation of active mines)
Uranium processing workers (those working in the refining and conversion of uranium and fabrication of fuel for nuclear power plants)

At-risk health conditions include:

Immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders
Stroke and cerebrovascular disease
Dementia
Diabetes
Liver disease
All other cancers
Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy
Spleen problems, such as asplenia
Heart disease
Hypertension with end organ damage
Diagnosed mental disorder
Substance use disorders
Sickle cell disease
Thalassemia
Immunocompromising health conditions
Other disabilities requiring direct support care in the community

How to book an appointment in a Public Health clinic

Book online

Starting Tuesday, May 11, those with at-risk health conditions and essential workers in Group 2 can use the provincial system to book an appointment online. Starting Thursday, May 13, adults 40 years of age and older in 2021, can use the provincial system to book an appointment online. Online booking is a simple and efficient process and helps reduce call volumes. Individuals can also help people who are eligible by booking an appointment on their behalf.

Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

Book by phone

Starting Tuesday, May 11, those with at-risk health conditions and essential workers in Group 2 can call to book an appointment. Starting Thursday, May 13, adults 40 years of age and older in 2021, can call to book an appointment. An individual can also help people who are eligible by calling to book an appointment on their behalf.

Main line: call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

To help with call volumes, an additional call centre has been set up.

Alternate line: call 1.844.782.2273, between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Shortened second dose intervals

The Ontario Government has also announced that in the context of additional vaccine supply, select groups will be eligible to receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier than the extended four-month interval. In addition to those currently eligible, those on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis as well as urban Indigenous adults and members of their household are eligible for the shorter second dose timeline. These groups face a greater risk of contracting and suffering serious illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have already received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and meet the newly identified criteria to receive a second dose, per the product monograph, can self-identify by calling the booking centre at 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505) or 1-844-782-2273. All individuals who have not yet received their first dose, are asked to identify their eligibility at the time of their vaccination appointment.

Certain high-risk health care workers are also eligible to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a shortened interval. Booking will begin by the end of the week of May 10, 2021, with details forthcoming.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts follows Ministry of Health guidance for the extension of the second dose interval, as well as the criteria outlined in the medical exemptions guidance for the administration and timing of the COVID-19 vaccines. Unless someone meets one of the pre-prescribed criteria, the dosing interval remains at 112 days. Any further recommendations for shortened second dose intervals will be communicated.

Who can book an appointment in a Public Health clinic

All vaccination clinics are by appointment only and COVID-safe measures are in place. You must not attend a clinic if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are in isolation due to a COVID-19 exposure. Currently, across Greater Sudbury and the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin, Public Health is continuing to offer COVID-19 vaccine to all previously eligible groups. Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics for details on local vaccine eligibility, for booking information, and for upcoming vaccination clinic dates and locations.

Pharmacy and primary care vaccine locations

Select pharmacies across the province are also booking appointments for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for eligible people aged 40 or older in 2021 (born in 1981 or earlier). You must have an appointment with the pharmacy to get vaccinated at a participating pharmacy. For a current list of pharmacies, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations..

Select primary care providers are also booking appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine by reaching out directly to eligible individuals.

This item was last modified on May 10, 2021