Family doctors to offer AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

People between the ages of 60 to 64 will now have access to theAstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine through their family doctor in Guelph, Wellington County and Dufferin County.

The communities have been added to the provincial pilot announced last week to provide this specific vaccine to that age group,Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said in a release Tuesday. When the province first announced the pilot, it was to allow pharmacies and primary care settings in three areas to offer the vaccine:Toronto, Windsor-Essex, and Kingston, Frontenac, LennoxandAddington.

The local health unit noted people do not need to contact their doctor, but rather participating physicians will contact eligible patients to book a vaccine.

The following local family health teams will be taking part in the pilot:

• Dufferin Area Family Health Team.
• East Wellington Family Health Team.
• Guelph Family Health Team.
• Minto Mapleton Family Health Team.
• Mount Forest Family Health Team.
• Upper Grand Family Health Team.

Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said she was thankful to the family health teams and physicians taking part"for their commitment to helping end the pandemic in our region."

Region of Waterloo Public Health said the community has not been chosen to take part in the pilot yet.

WATCH|Canada Tonight's medical contributor Dr. Samir Gupta addresses concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine after some European countries suspended the vaccine over reports of blood clots:

Addressing concerns about the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine

4 years ago

Duration 5:42

Canada Tonight's medical contributor Dr. Samir Gupta addresses concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine after some European countries suspended the vaccine over reports of blood clots.