The City of Toronto will soon close its four fixed-site COVID-19 vaccination centers as emergency pandemic funding from the province ends.
On Dec. 13, the clinic, located on property near Metro Hall, Cloverdale Mall, North York Civic Center, and Scarborough Town Center, will permanently close.
“These vaccination clinics were initially established as a temporary measure in response to the global health crisis and to ensure Torontonians have quick and equitable access to vaccines,” the city said in an announcement this week. stated in a news release.
“Using these clinics, (Toronto Public Health) provides a wide range of vaccines including routine immunizations for children under ISPA and SIP, influenza, COVID-19, meningococcal and MPOX. These clinics supported Toronto’s largest vaccination campaign in the past three years and played a critical role in ensuring an effective outbreak response.”
During the pandemic, Toronto Public Health has administered more than 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines at fixed facilities and mobile clinics.
The closures come as wastewater data shows Ontario’s COVID-19 infection rate is at its highest in more than a year. Data from Public Health Ontario also suggests other indicators show the level of virus activity is rising rapidly as temperatures drop and residents spend more time indoors.
Responsibility for administering COVID-19 vaccinations will primarily fall on Toronto’s primary care providers and pharmacies.
“As we conclude the final chapter of our final four fixed-venue vaccination clinics on December 13th, we would like to express our gratitude to our community for their efforts. It is especially important to stay up-to-date on influenza, influenza, and routine immunization information,” Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said in a written statement.
“We are deeply grateful to Torontonians who have prioritized vaccination through the services provided by their health care providers and participating pharmacies across the city.”
Toronto Public Health is also seeking nearly $4 million in additional funding from the Ministry of Health to address “shortfalls” in the student immunization program.
“From 2019 to 2022, Ontario’s childhood immunization program faced disruptions due to restrictions on in-person opportunities, closures of school-based clinics, and diversion of public health resources,” the city’s news release reads. has been written.
“The province’s funding request to expand immunization coverage for Toronto’s school-age population will be considered by Toronto City Council on December 13, pending action by the Board of Health.”
