A vaccine clinic is set to help community members get immunized against COVID-19 in Severn Township.
The clinic will be set up at Hope Community Church in Cumberland Beach on Saturday; it is fully accessible.
Community members are able to book appointments or simply just walk in to receive a Pfizer vaccine. Children’s vaccines, first doses, second doses, and boosters will be made available.
“We had a vaccination team from the government on site last week to approve the space, and based on the population data they have pulled, and the vaccine statistics in the area, they recommended that the clinic goes from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.,” explained Wanda Minnings, who organized the clinic.
“It’s longer than what we asked for, but they worked with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and they are bringing a full mobile clinic.”
Minnings says it’s important for families to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays.
“We don’t want another Christmas by Zoom, and with the number of families and seniors in this area, I thought it would be a good idea to contact GO-VAXX,” she explained.
“It’s been a real community effort. There has been a lot of interest, and we’ve decided to go ahead with it.”
So far, 68 people have signed up to be vaccinated on Saturday. Some of those will be receiving their first dose of the vaccine, she said.
“From what I know from living in this community, there are a lot of people who maybe only have one vehicle in the family, and the wage earner may be out at work during the day, and with being at home with the kids, getting out to receive the vaccine might be hard,” Minnings said.
“Even a short drive from here to Orillia on the highway can be treacherous with the winter weather, so I just wanted to help put us on the map and get these kinds of services here.”
Minnings says the response has been overwhelming and there is a high demand for the vaccine in the Cumberland Beach community. People from Washago and Coldwater have also registered.
“We are hoping people will bring their kids forward for vaccines. Some people are even bringing their neighbours who haven’t received their first dose yet,” she said.
There are no more appointments available for the morning hours, but all walk-ins and confirmed afternoon appointments will be honoured, Minnings says. To book an appointment, email [email protected]
