THUNDER BAY — People at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 are receiving priority as the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reopens its community vaccination clinic in the CLE Coliseum building this week.
The health unit has received a supply of the updated Moderna vaccine that targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant of the virus, which was approved last month by Health Canada.
Starting Tuesday, the health unit is offering the vaccine to priority groups including health care workers, first responders, people 65 and older, pregnant women, Indigenous residents, immunocompromised people, and those living with certain chronic illnesses.
It's also making this year's flu vaccine available at the same time.
For the first few weeks, appointments must be made through the provincial online booking system or at tbdhu.com/vaxclinics.
At the end of October, the community clinic will be open to all members of the public, and will offer walk-in appointments as capacity allows.
Laura Dennis, the health unit's manager of the vaccine preventable disease program, said the XBB vaccine is the one that's recommended this fall to help protect against the most commonly-circulating strains of the virus that causes COVID-19.
"Evidence has shown that the protection from COVID-19 vaccines does wane over time. So the recommendation to receive a dose this fall is very strong. It's a really important layer of protection, just as important as washing hands and staying home when you're sick to protect yourself as well as loved ones."
Dr. Janet DeMille, medical officer of health, added that getting a vaccination may also provide some protection against "long" COVID.
The clinic at the CLE will be open every Tuesday this month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Information about vaccine availability in district communities can be found online.