Sudbury's first drive-through vaccine clinic goes Monday

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Sudbury residents looking to get their COVID-19 vaccine might be pleased to hear things just got more convenient.

A drive-through vaccine clinic is being set up at the Real Canadian Superstore on Lasalle Boulevard for Monday. The Primacy Medical Centre, which is a walk-in clinic at the Superstore location (east parking area), is setting up the special, one-day clinic. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Sudbury physician Dr. Dennis Reich, the owner of the medical centre, said vaccine seekers can call or book an appointment online. People must book an appointment and show up no earlier than five minutes before the appointment.

Reich said the idea for the drive-through is partly due to the growing sense of urgency for vaccinations now that Ontario is struggling with the third wave of the pandemic.

“This came out of necessity,” he said. “The government is ramping up vaccinations. Ages are falling, restrictions are falling. There are a lot of people who can’t get through to the arenas. There is a need for volume,” he said.

Reich said other communities in Ontario have tried the drive-through concept and it worked OK.

“So we’ve got lots of parking space at our clinic beside the Real Canadian Superstore and we’ve got lots of well-trained staff,” he said.

Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury and Districts, said in a release she welcomes the clinic.

“As more people become eligible to book their appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine and as more vaccine supply is received locally, the strong partnership and collaboration with primary care providers provide us more opportunity to get vaccine into arms as in innovatively, efficiently, and safely as possible,” Sutcliffe said in a release. “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter, and until more individuals in our communities are fully vaccinated, continue to follow public health measures to further protect one another.”

Reich said the vaccines will be administered by trained health care professionals, including physician assistants, registered nurses and registered practical nurses.

Individuals with at-risk health conditions (as defined by the Government of Ontario) are eligible to book an appointment for the clinic, in addition to currently eligible individuals, as part of this local pilot.

At-risk health conditions include immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, dementia, liver disease, , respiratory diseases, spleen problems, heart disease, hypertension with end-organ damage, diagnosed mental disorder, substance use disorder, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, immunocompromising health conditions and other disabilities requiring direct support care in the community.

Currently eligible individuals include adults 50 years of age and older in 2021; health care workers; Indigenous adults (18 and older); individuals who cannot work from home who fall under Group One (Government of Ontario); individuals with the highest-risk health conditions and one essential caregiver; individuals with high-risk health conditions; and adult recipients of chronic home care.

Also eligible are faith leaders who provide certain functions such as end-of-life care; residents, essential caregivers, and staff of high-risk congregate living settings; staff, residents, and essential caregivers of retirement homes and congregate care settings for seniors, elder care homes and long-term care homes.

The May 10 drive-through clinic is by appointment only. People can call the Primacy Medical Centre to register at 705-222-8829 on Friday, May 7, Saturday, May 8, and Sunday, May 9, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Online registration is also available now at www.bookmyvaccine.ca (Primacy Medical Centre).

Primacy Medical Centre will contact eligible individuals who registered to book an appointment for the upcoming drive-through clinic on Monday, May 10.

Reich said Public Health staff will assist the drive-through event and they will provide the Moderna vaccine.

The return email from Primacy will confirm the time and provide vital information for the recipients on what to do on Monday. This could also include a map of the parking area letting drivers know where to park.

Part of the process includes bringing your official Ontario Health card so you can be registered on the provincial COVAX system. Recipients should also wear loose clothing or clothing that will let the immunizer get easy access to your upper arm to use the needle. Masks are also required.

Reich said drivers must turn off their vehicles for a few minutes at the vaccination station. Once the vaccine is given, traffic marshals will instruct drivers where to park their car for 15 minutes of observation. Reich said Vianet will be providing an internet WiFi zone to allow people to use their smartphones or laptops.

Once the process is done, each recipient will have their vaccination receipt emailed to them. At the same time, recipients will be advised on when to show up for their second dose, which could be up to 16 weeks later.

Reich said the capacity for Monday’s event is 800 vaccinations. The arena clinic provides vaccines to greater numbers of people, but the drive-through offers a bit of convenience for people.

“Every little bit helps,” he said.

He said Monday’s event is a first for Sudbury, and he conceded “there might be some growing pains,” but added he is planning to have additional drive-through vaccine events.

“We are getting excellent support from the public health unit. They’re going to be providing some staff to ensure everyone is doing everything the best way,” said Reich.

– with files from The Sudbury Star

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. This story first appeared on Sudbury.com.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @SudburyStar