Our Church, in partnership with the Stouffville Christian Ministerial Association, Office of Mayor Lovatt, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library and Markham Vaccinates, have launched an initiative called Stouffville Vaccinates. Below is the Q & A of this initiative.
What is it and how does it work?
If you or someone you know is 65 years or older and is in need of help with booking a vaccination appointment, you can register for this free service and a vaccination appointment will be made for you. A team of volunteers monitor all York Region Public Health vaccination sites for when new time slots are released. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive a phone call to notify you of the date, time and location.
Where are the vaccination sites located and can I choose which one I want to go to?
The current locations in York Region are Cornell Community Centre (Markham), Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (Newmarket), Georgina Ice Palace (Georgina) and Richmond Green Sports Centre (Richmond Hill). You can NOT choose which site you would like to go to.
How do I sign up for this service?
There are two ways:
Online: http://stouffvillevaccinates.com
By Phone: Starting on Monday, March 15th, you can call the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library at 905-642-7323, ext. 5230, Monday to Thursday from 9:30am – 4:00pm.
What information will I need to provide?
You will be asked for your name, date of birth, address, phone number and if possible, an email address.
What if I have no way to travel to my appointment?
If you require assistance getting to and from your appointment, our Church will arrange transportation through a team of volunteers. Please contact our church office at (647) 547-3618 or email at [email protected]
When will I get my appointment?
As of today, only seniors over 80 years old are given appointments. However, anyone aged 65 or over is encouraged to sign-up now. When the Province announces they are opening up appointments to the next age group, 75+, your name will already be on the list and the volunteers will be ready to get you an appointment as soon as possible.
Can I bring someone with me?
YES! Each person who is getting vaccinated can bring in one caregiver to be with them every step of the way.
Can my spouse who is under 80 get vaccinated with me?
NO. Vaccinations are by appointment and are only for 80 years + as per public health policy. They can accompany you, but they will not be vaccinated.
Will there be a wait?
Historically, the wait is not very long, but please dress for the weather.
Are there wheelchairs or walkers available?
NO. Please bring you own assistive device.
style="color: #2e75b5;font-size: 120%;">What do I need to know about my vaccination appointment?
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring 2 pieces of identification - your health card and any other identification with your address on it. (Driver’s license, Hydro bill, etc.) Please wear a short sleeve shirt or something you can roll up quickly as there is no place to disrobe. After your vaccination, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area for 15 minutes. Nurses and doctors are there and ready to assist should you need it.
If I receive the Pfizer vaccine, how will I get my second appointment?
That is unknown at this time. Currently, second appointments are not being booked. The situation is being monitored and Stouffville Vaccinates will be pleased to assist when appointments for the second dose are open.
Is this service associated with York Region Public Health?
NO. It is run by a group of community volunteers from Markham and Stouffville who just want to help seniors get vaccinated.
What happens to my data when the pandemic is over?
The data will be destroyed when this service is no longer needed.
I am comfortable using a computer and can drive myself. Do I need to use your service?
NO! If you are able to make your own appointment you can do so at https://www.york.ca/covid19vaccine
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
You can contact Stouffville Vaccinates by phone at 905-294-3184 or email at [email protected] (This is a shared email address for Markham Vaccinates and Stouffville Vaccinates.)
Our Church is grateful to be a partner in this initiative and would be pleased to serve our community in support of this initiative in whatever way we can.