In the earlier months of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the Marathon Family Health Team (MFHT) was in an ideal position to efficiently and effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine to the majority of the eligible population in Marathon. Because of this, and our commitment to providing timely and local access to the vaccine, we took on the responsibility of leading COVID-19 vaccine rollout efforts in our community with the support of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU).
Now that nearly 80% of our eligible population is fully vaccinated, the MFHT will be taking a step back from COVID-19 vaccine planning and returning our focus to our primary care responsibilities.
Moving forward, the TBDHU will be taking on the responsibility of offering COVID-19 clinics in Marathon. We would like to recognize public health for assuming this role and ensuring that our eligible population has regular, local access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Accessing COVID-19 vaccines in Marathon
The TBDHU will now be offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Marathon every second week until further notice. This will allow everyone who is looking for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine with the opportunity to book an appointment locally.
The first clinic will be held on November 24th at the Lakeview Community Hall from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Following November 24th, the COVID-19 vaccination events will be held at the Marathon Legion.
The Marathon Pharmacy will also continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination opportunities.
Booking an appointment
There are two ways to book an appointment at the upcoming COVID-19 community clinics:
- Booking an appointment online through the provincial booking system by visiting https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca, or
- Calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak with a public health worker that will assist you with appointment scheduling. This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
No matter the option you choose, you will need to provide your healthcare number (front and back), so please have it ready.
To book an appointment at the Marathon Pharmacy, please call 807-229-1670.
Eligibility criteria
At this time, anyone born in December 2009 or earlier can book a 1st or 2nd dose. It is recommended that second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines be administered 28 days after the first dose.
Below is a list of those who are eligible for a 3rd dose/booster:
- Adults living in long-term care or congregate living facilities
- Adults 70+ years of age
- Adults who have an immune compromising condition and/or are on immunosuppressant medications (contact your doctor or pharmacists to find out if you’re eligible)
- Health care workers (including those who do not have direct patient contact)
- Essential caregivers in congregate settings
- Indigenous people ages 18+ and their household members
- Individuals who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Johnson & Johnson
Immunocompromised adults are eligible for their booster dose 2 months (56 days) after their second dose, while all other groups must wait at least 6 months (168 days) after their second dose to become eligible. In general, those who received their second dose before June 10th will be eligible for a booster on November 24th.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact our local public health office by calling 807-229-1820.
The MFHT would like to assure our patients and community members that we will continue to work closely with public health as they take on this new role in our community. Our team also continues to be committed to sharing timely and accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine and to answering any of your questions or concerns.
