York Region is preparing to close its COVID-19 mass vaccination centres by the end of August with the majority of the population now fully vaccinated.
The need for the clinic has decreased as the number of residents vaccinated has risen, said York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.
The public health unit plans to transition to smaller, mobile clinics to continue vaccination efforts, he added.
"This approach allows York Region Public Health to re-allocate resources to support mobile and pop-up clinics in more convenient locations across York Region," Casey said. "This will help target more specific immunization efforts in areas of the region where vaccination rates may be lower."
To date, approximately 81 per cent of York Region residents aged 12 and older have received a first dose of the vaccine, while 71 per cent are fully vaccinated. However, the region has experienced a slowdown in the uptake of first doses in recent weeks.
Daily doses have dropped below 5,000 in the last week, with only 4,659 doses administered — 932 of which were first doses — on July 28.
Newmarket's mass vaccination centre at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex will end Aug. 26.
The closing date for the region's other mass vaccination centres are:
- Trisan Centre in Schomberg will close July 29.
- Aaniin Community Centre in Markham will close Aug. 15.
- Richmond Green Sports Complex in Richmond Hill will close Aug. 15.
- Emily Carr Secondary School Drive-Thru will close Aug. 18.
- SoccerCity Drive-Thru in Whitchurch-Stouffville will close Aug. 20.
- Georgina Ice Palace in Georgina will close Aug. 22.
- Maple Community Centre in Maple will close Aug. 29.
The clinic at the Cornell Community Centre in Markham will continue to operate at reduced capacity.
All individuals with a previously booked appointment at one of the clinics after its scheduled closure will be contacted by York Region Public Health by email, Casey said.
Individuals can still book an earlier appointment, or do a walk-in at a York Region Public Health clinic for a first or second dose. More details on getting vaccinated are available at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
"Vaccines continue to be our best defence against COVID-19 and at keeping ourselves, loved ones, workplaces and community safe. The sooner people are vaccinated, the sooner lives can return to normal," Casey said.
