Metrolinx shares where to find GO-VAXX Bus and pop-up holiday free test kits

As the frenzy to find vaccine and booster jab appointments, Metrolinx has introduced a way to help get more people vaccinated. Along with all of the dozens of safety actions Metrolinx has had in place since March 2020, they still see vaccination as a key part of protection for all and their GO-VAXX bus program in patnership with the province is already proving to be a popular way to get more Ontario residents vaccinated.

Not only has Metrolinx been supporting staff – who are required to have two doses of vaccine – to get a booster shot as soon as eligible, throughout the pandemic, Metrolinx has also been actively supporting the province’s efforts to get the public vaccinated.

An example of this are three GO-VAXX buses – the mobile clinics now provide thousands of first, second and booster shots, as well as shots for children age five to 11. In partnership with the province, the buses travel to malls, workplaces, community centres and other hubs.

The retrofitted GO-VAXX buses are operated by GO bus drivers and have been safely rolling into communities where vaccines are needed

Some of the scheduled stops for the GO-VAXX buses, as well as at select GO Stations, may also have free rapid testing kits available – a new strategy to help identify new infections early and stop the spread.

Check out the GO-VAXX and pop-up holiday free test kit schedules.

To get even more people protected, the province has also opened up eligibility as of December 20 to all 18+ adults and reduced the waiting period between last shot and booster to three months. You can find all the details here.

However, many residents are learning that finding a vaccine appointment slot whether through local pharmacies, public health or provincial booking channels is becoming increasingly more difficult. It seems with the province now taking booster vaccine bookings for March at the earliest for those who were vaccinated six months ago, the faster route is through local pop-ups, pharmacies and programs like GO-VAXX.

Metrolinx continues the effort, started at the beginning of the pandemic, to share the latest numbers and measures being taken, for both the public and employees. They advise that “during the holidays, the obvious becomes vital: wear a mask on public transit, limit eating or drinking on transit to keep masks secured, stay home if ill, and continue hand washing.”

And strongly consider protecting the people around – never knowing if someone is immunocompromised – by getting vaccinated.

Continued safety and health are the best gifts this time of year – as well as every other day on the calendar.

notes by Anne Marie Aikins, head of media and public relations.

Find her on Twitter @MetrolinxSpox

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca