Vaccination opportunities: October 2023

Issued: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

COVID-19 vaccination

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is pleased to announce the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which better protects against the Omicron XBB subvariant, is now available in our vaccination clinics. The initial doses will be prioritized for high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals and hospital staff, and residents, staff and caregivers of long-term care homes and Elder Care Lodges, followed by individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations (Ministry of Health, page 7, PDF).

Public Health clinic opportunities in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts can be found at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. Additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may also be available through select primary care providers and at participating pharmacies. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

Public Health recommends that you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines to build long-term protection and protect against severe disease and hospitalization. Individuals are considered up-to-date if they have received a fall 2023 COVID-19 dose; it is strongly recommended that this dose is an mRNA XBB.1.5-containing vaccine.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is expected to be available locally during the first two weeks of October 2023. As in previous years, the flu shot will first be prioritized for high-risk populations (NACI). The seasonal flu vaccine will be available at many locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Those receiving a COVID-19 dose at public health clinics may be able to receive a flu shot at the same time, beginning October 23, 2023. Flu vaccines for the general public aged 6 months and older will be available by October 30, 2023. Visit us online for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times, locations, and eligible groups at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. Please note that opportunities to receive the seasonal flu vaccine may differ throughout our service area each week. If you do not find a clinic in your area, please contact Public Health for more information.

Getting a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available is important, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity. Individuals aged 6 months and older can safely get the seasonal flu vaccine immediately before or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination opportunities for October 2023

Public Health may occasionally need to cancel clinics due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather events that impact clinic operations. In the event a clinic is cancelled, all clients with a booked appointment will be contacted and will be offered an alternate opportunity. For regular updates, follow us on social media @PublicHealthSD on Facebook and X (formerly called Twitter). Visit us online for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times and locations, vaccine type or routine immunization that is planned at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.

Wednesday, October 4

Appointment-only clinics

Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau Office, Chapleau

- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Thursday, October 5

Appointment-only clinics

Centennial Community Centre and Arena, Hanmer
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
NEMI Recreation Centre, Little Current
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Friday, October 6

Appointment-only clinics

Southridge Mall, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts, main office, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Tuesday, October 10

Appointment-only clinics

Capreol Community Centre and Arena, Capreol
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Wednesday, October 11

Appointment-only clinics

McClelland Community Centre and Arena, Copper Cliff

- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau Office, Chapleau
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Thursday, October 12

Appointment-only clinics

Noëlville Community Centre and Arena, Noëlville
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Freshwater Community Church, Mindemoya
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Friday, October 13

Appointment-only clinics

Southridge Mall, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Saturday, October 14

Appointment-only clinics

Southridge Mall, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Tuesday, October 17

Appointment-only clinics

Chelmsford Community Centre and Arena, Chelmsford
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Appointment and walk-in clinics

Sagamok Community Health Centre, Sagamok
COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
For clinic bookings and details please contact the Sagamok Community Wellness Centre at 705.865.2171.

Wednesday, October 18

Appointment-only clinics

Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau Office, Chapleau
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Garson Community Centre and Arena, Garson
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Thursday, October 19

Appointment-only clinics

Centennial Community Centre and Arena, Hanmer
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
NEMI Recreation Centre, Little Current
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Friday, October 20

Appointment-only clinics

Southridge Mall, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.

Tuesday, October 24

Appointment-only clinics

Garson Community Centre and Arena, Garson
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.
Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.

Wednesday, October 25

Appointment-only clinics

Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau Office, Chapleau
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.

Thursday, October 26

Appointment-only clinics

McClelland Community Centre and Arena, Copper Cliff
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.

Freshwater Community Church, Mindemoya
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.

Friday, October 27

Appointment-only clinics

Southridge Mall, Sudbury
- COVID-19 vaccine for hospitalized individuals and hospital staff.
- COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers.
- COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
- Flu shot may be available for individuals at high-risk who have booked a COVID-19 appointment.

Tuesday, October 31

Appointment-only clinics

Capreol Community Centre and Arena, Capreol
COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months and older.
Flu shot may be available for those 6 months and older who have a booked COVID-19 appointment.
Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola

- - COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months and older.

Flu shot may be available for those 6 months and older who have a booked COVID-19 appointment.

Book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment

To book online, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For a list of scheduled clinics, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.

Additional opportunities may also be available through select primary care providers or at participating pharmacies. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

Clinic services

Sensory-friendly service (COVID-19)

Sensory-friendly services may be available, as needed.

Vaccine-to-vehicle service (COVID-19)

Vaccine-to-vehicle is a service available at select mass immunization clinics for individuals who are unable to receive their vaccine within a clinic setting for reasons such as sensory sensitivities, decreased mobility, or other health concerns. An immunizer will come outside to the parking lot to provide the vaccine to individuals in their vehicle. Please note that during extreme weather or extreme cold that your appointment may be rebooked to ensure everyone’s safety.

Appointments for sensory-friendly or vaccine-to-vehicle services can only be booked by phone at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays. Booking online is not available.

Questions about vaccination

Learn about the Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

All Public Health clinics offer mRNA vaccine brands. These vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response. Once triggered, your body makes antibodies which help you fight the infection if the real virus does enter your body in the future.

Examples of mRNA vaccines include Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty. mRNA vaccines remain the recommended vaccine type for COVID-19 and can be used for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated and for those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine previously.

Eligibility

COVID-19 vaccines

For the 2023 fall respiratory season, the Ontario Ministry of Health, consistent with the National Immunization Committee for Immunizations (NACI), recommends a dose of any XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for individuals in the authorized age group. Visit covid-19-vaccine-eligibility for information on when you should be vaccinated based on the type of vaccine you should receive, your age, your health status, and if you recently had a COVID-19 infection.

Preparing for a vaccination appointment

All vaccination clinics have COVID-safety measures 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.

Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.
Eat and drink something before you arrive at your appointment to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
Do not show up until 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
When possible, please limit the number of support people attending a vaccination clinic to one person.
Dress for the weather, you may have to wait in line if you plan on attending a walk-in clinic.
Wear a top that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or a T-shirt.
Wear a medical mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. If you do not have a medical mask, pediatric and adult medical masks will be available at the entrance to the clinic.

For more information or if you have questions, please talk to trusted sources such as Public Health immunizers, health care providers, and pharmacists, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19, or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).