The University of Guelph’s community vaccination clinic has opened.
Held in the University Centre on campus, the building is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“With the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination clinic based at the University of Guelph, in partnership with the Guelph Family Health Team, our region moves closer to our goal of vaccinating 75 per cent of our population by August,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
“Without the commitment of partners like the University and the GFHT, we simply could not continue to deliver on our region’s impressive start to our vaccination program,” Mercer said.
Once fully operating, the U of G-based community clinic will be able to vaccinate up to 2,000 people a day following provincial direction and local decision-making for vaccine prioritization.
U of G members who meet provincial guidelines are eligible to obtain the vaccine on campus.
“I am very proud of the leadership and foresight shown by University members in planning and implementing this important partnership,” said U of G president Dr. Charlotte Yates.
“This clinic speaks to our long-time commitment to be an engaged and supportive community partner, and to do our part in helping combat COVID-19. We will continue to work with Public Health and with our own U of G experts to ensure that our campus is safe for all our community members.”
Sharmilla Rasheed, vice-president (finance and operations), said the clinic supports the University’s ongoing plans and efforts for a gradual and safe return to learning and working on campus.
The U of G clinic is staffed by members of the GFHT and U of G’s Student Health Services.
“The staff and physicians of the Guelph Family Health Team are so pleased to be working with our partners at the University of Guelph to provide this important service to our community,” said Dr. Ross Kirkconnell, GFHT executive director.
The vaccination clinic will run through to August. Volunteers are on hand to greet and guide arrivals, attend parking lots and monitor clinic flow. An initial request for volunteers resulted in an immediate response of some 500 members from the U of G community.
“The response to our open request for volunteers was immediate and robust – so much so that we had to take down the notice within a day,” Yates said.
“It is incredibly gratifying to see so many of our faculty, staff and students stepping forward to help in this effort. It speaks to the University’s commitment to being a community partner and to making a difference.”
Visitors should park in lots P31 or P42 (accessible spaces) on South Ring Road East (view the campus parking map online). Parking is currently free on campus. Many Guelph Public Transit bus routes stop at the University Centre. Volunteers are on hand to assist those with accessibility needs.
Clinic volunteers and signs from the parking lot and bus loop will direct visitors to the clinic entrance.
The COVID-19 vaccination clinic occupies the main floor of the University Centre, including the courtyard and lounge spaces. Access to commercial businesses remains available. Signs and volunteers throughout the building will help ensure a smooth flow of vaccination clinic clients.
People need an appointment to receive a vaccine. The University has created a vaccination clinic web page that includes information about the province’s vaccine registration process and additional details about the U of G clinic. As well, U of G’s COVID-19 page includes up-to-date information.
“The University is essential to the fabric of Guelph and our region as a whole,” Mercer said.
“Their enthusiastic participation in the regional vaccination program is further evidence to support an ongoing commitment to improving life.”