Approximately 700 individuals booked an appointment for a second COVID-19 booster dose with Lambton Public Health [LPH], when eligibility expanded to anyone over the age of 18 on Thursday.
Manager of Health Protection Chad Ikert said the call centre was kept very busy answering questions and helping individuals book their appointments.
"Eligible individuals can get their second booster at LPH clinics, participating pharmacies or select primary care providers," said Ikert. "So, we've scaled up our call centre and vaccination clinic capacity in anticipation of increased demand."
Ikert expects a surge in demand for the next little while.
"LPH clinics are currently being offered at our main office in Point Edward and at the Wyoming Fairground building."
When he spoke to Sarnia News Today Friday morning, appointments were still available.
"Appointments can be booked online through Lambton Public Health at GetTheVaccine.ca and for those that require assistance with booking, they can contact our call centre at 226-254-8222 and our call centre hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m."
Ikert said they'll be monitoring the bookings and will add more spots and clinics as necessary.
He said the health unit, presently, has a good supply of vaccines to administer.
"For those eligible and interested in getting the second booster, the recommended interval for the second booster is five months after the first booster dose was given."
He advises anyone with questions about whether they should get a second booster to consult their healthcare provider.
Ikert said LPH has yet to receive direction on the vaccine approved for infants and young children.
"It was approved by Health Canada, now we're just waiting for the ministry to provide details on when the vaccine will become available and be distributed to health units," he said.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is one-quarter the size of that approved for adults and can be given to children as young as six-months old.
