The Ontario government is increasing capacity in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout with the addition of more than 700 pharmacies across the province - including two more in Orillia.
These locations will start offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to individuals aged 55 and older throughout this week.
"With more local pharmacies coming on board, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will be easier and more convenient for eligible populations across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
"I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it's their turn. Until we receive enough vaccines so that the majority of Ontarians can be vaccinated it remains critical for everyone to continue following public health measures we know work and keep us safe," she added.
The two new pharmacies in Orillia to offer the vaccines are the Shoppers Drug Mart at 55 Front St. and the pharmacy at Orillia's Costco at 625 University Ave.
These are in addition to the original two pharmacies, locally offering the vaccines for the last week: the Shoppers Drug Mart on Westmount and the Drugstore at Zehrs, on Coldwater Road.
This expansion will bring the total number of pharmacies offering the vaccine to over 1,400 locations and this number is expected to reach approximately 1,500 by the end of April.
To find the nearest pharmacy offering vaccinations please visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
Expansion of pharmacies into hot spot communities also helps to increase access to vaccines for populations who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic so far.
Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca vaccine at pharmacies require an appointment to be made in advance.
Eligible adults aged 55 and over in 2021 who are interested in booking an appointment, can visit ontario.ca/
To book an appointment at Shoppers, click here. To book an appointment at Costco, click here.
