The University of Guelph’s community vaccination clinic has vaccinated more than 12,500 people since opening March 11.

Run in partnership with the Guelph Family Health Team (GFHT), the U of G clinic has helped Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health reach the goal of providing at least one dose of a vaccine to 25 per cent of eligible residents in the region.

“This is something to celebrate,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO of WDG Public Health. “Public Health and all local vaccination partners continue to work aggressively toward vaccinating our region as quickly as possible.”

Held on the main floor of the University Centre on campus, the clinic is staffed by members of the GFHT and U of G’s Hospitality Services and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is currently vaccinating about 600 people a day.

“I am very proud of this role U of G gets to play in the fight against COVID-19 and in keeping members of the University community and our broader community healthy and safe,” said Dr. Charlotte Yates, U of G president. “Staff, volunteers and partners have demonstrated outstanding leadership, and we are very grateful for their dedication to the clinic.”

WDG Public Health aims to have vaccinated at least 75 per cent of eligible residents across the region by June.

Public Health recently announced pre-registration for phase 3 vaccinations, which means all residents aged 16 and older are eligible to pre-register for their vaccination. While this group can pre-register, local vaccinations continue to follow the province’s vaccination framework, meaning most residents who are part of phase 3 will likely not be vaccinated until June.

Pre-registering is the best way for residents to ensure they receive a vaccine as soon as possible, said Mercer.

“Now that all of us can pre-register for a vaccine appointment, I encourage everyone to do so as soon as possible. Safe, effective vaccines are our best way to fight COVID-19 protect our region and move back toward a more familiar way of life,” she said.

Members of the U of G community, including students living or working in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph region, who meet provincial guidelines can use the University’s address to register and be eligible to obtain the vaccine at WDG clinics (including the on-campus clinic) following the province’s plan for immunization.

Clinic 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.

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.

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