Region's first 80+ public COVID-19 vaccine clinic opens Thursday

People aged 80 and up will start receiving their COVID-19 vaccine as the region opened its first public vaccination clinic on Thursday in Waterloo.

The clinic is located at 435 The Boardwalk and will focus on seniors then others who are eligible for the vaccination under phase one of the provincial guidelines.

People cannot just arrive at the clinic they must have an appointment. The region says people need to pre-register, then they will be asked to book an appointment.

A second large public clinic is scheduled to open next week in Cambridge. A clinic at Grand River Hospital has been dedicated to health-care workers.

Majority still must wait

Waterloo regional police deputy chief Shirley Hilton, who is the head of the region's vaccine distribution task force, said in a release that it's exciting to offer the public vaccination clinics, even if the majority of people will still need to wait to get the shot.

"We understand that many residents are anxious about when it will be their turn to be vaccinated. We will continue to provide updates to the public so everyone is aware of when it's their turn and where they can go to be vaccinated," she said.

Even after people receive the vaccine, Region of Waterloo Public Health says people need to continue to follow public health guidelines which include wearing a mask, physically distancing from others and washing their hands.