New city clinic offering AstraZeneca vaccine to Hamilton residents 40 and older

Health officials are hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for residents 40 and up at theDavid Braley Health Sciences Centre.

The McMaster University site at100 Main St. W. will offer shots of the AstraZenecavaccine by appointment only between May 6 and 13.

To date, roughly 189,044 doses have been administered in Hamilton so far, meaning about 34.1 per cent of Hamiltonians over the age of 16 have received a vaccine, the city said in an update Monday morning.

Officials described the latest clinic for those 40 and up (in 2021) as an "encouraging step" in Hamilton's vaccination effort.

The shots will be doled out between 11:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Previously, the AstraZeneca vaccine was only available through local pharmacies, which continue to offer shots to people 40 and older.

To book a vaccine, people are asked to call the public health hotline (905-974-9848, option 7). Walk-ins are not being accepted and proof of age is required when someone shows up for their shot.

Free parking vouchers will be provided, the city says, and those arriving for their vaccine are asked to enter the clinic using the doors off Bay Street.

Callers asked to be patient

The city is warning callers that call volumes are "extremely high," and they may encounter a busy signal or have their call dropped unexpectedly.

It's asking people to "be patient and call back" if the lines are busy.

Who can get vaccinated right now?

Right now, any Hamilton resident who is 55 and older can sign up for a shot.

People who are 18 and older and live in a postal code the begins withL9C, L8W, L8L, L8N or L9K, can arrange a COVID-19 appointment by phone.

Those with a postal code that starts withL9C or L8Wcan book online.

Mobile clinics for BIPOC residents 18 and older who live in the above "hot spot" postal codes arealso taking place.

More information can be found on the city's website.