After just over two weeks of successful operation, the Middlesex-London Health Unit announced today that it plans to keep its COVID-19 vaccination clinic at White Oaks Mall open through the month of May. The walk-in clinic at the south London mall has delivered 617 doses of vaccine since re-opening on April 7th, reducing barriers to access and becoming a proven, popular and convenient way to receive a dose, for those seeking to be vaccinated. This clinic first operated at the mall between September 14 and October 10, 2021 and has administered a total of 6,345 doses of vaccine since that time. The walk-in clinic allows the Health Unit to offer vaccine to people who may not be able to attend a mass vaccinated clinic because of challenges, including convenience, transportation and appointment availability.
The clinic will remain in the same space through the month of May, next to the Tim Hortons, near the food court and can be accessed through the mall's east entrance, near RBC, facing Wellington Road. The clinic will continue to run Thursdays through Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. until its last day of operations on Saturday, May 28th. The clinic will offer the appropriate doses of vaccine to anyone five years of age and older, in the hopes of reaching those who are not yet protected and haven't been able to be vaccinated. The clinic continues to see an average of just under 100 clients per day.
"The continued success of this mall-based clinic has shown that providing the COVID-19 vaccine in a convenient way is an effective strategy for reaching people who may not be able to attend mass vaccination clinics," says Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "We are grateful for the continued partnership with White Oaks Mall to be able to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible to those across our community."
"We are honoured to be able to contribute to the health and well-being of our community by continuing to host the vaccination clinic for another month," says Jeff Wilson, General Manager at White Oaks Mall. "White Oaks Mall provides a welcoming and convenient location for our community to access their needs. And right now, there is no greater need than to get vaccinated. We thank the Middlesex-London Health Unit for partnering with us to reach a many people as possible."
For more information about the Health Unit's Walk-in Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and a complete list of clinic dates, locations and times, visit: www.healthunit.com/pop-up-vaccination-clinics.
Media Contacts:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0570
Jeff Wilson, General Manager, White Oaks Mall, 519-681-0434, extension 1805
Spokespeople:
Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit
Jeff Wilson, General Manager, White Oaks Mall