Hamilton Public Health Services, in partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, will be holding mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics during Tiger-Cats practices at Tim Hortons Field on August 23 and 24 (10:30 am to 2 pm), as well as August 25 (10:30 am to 1 pm), providing fans a unique opportunity to get vaccinated, watch practice and win great prizes.

Individuals interested in receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine who attend these clinics can stay and watch practice (which are otherwise closed to the public in 2021), will receive a voucher for two tickets to any 2021 Forge FC regular season home game, as well as be automatically entered into a draw to win tickets to Tiger-Cats home games and autographed Ticats and Forge FC jerseys. No appointment is needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, walk-ins are welcomed and those participating can enter Tim Hortons Field at Gate 2.

“We’re proud to partner with Hamilton Public Health Services and provide a unique setting and experience for those in our community who haven’t yet been vaccinated to do their part in the fight against COVID-19,” said Matt Afinec, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tiger-Cats. “Maximizing vaccination rates in our community is the path back to full-capacity crowds and the energy they bring, which is a tremendously important element for our players on gameday and our organization as a whole.”

There are many locations in Hamilton for community members to get their first and second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, such as large-scale clinics, primary care-led clinics, mobile pop-up clinics and local pharmacies. Vaccines can be accessed both on a walk-in basis at many of these locations or by booking an appointment. Information regarding walk-in options, booking an appointment and frequently asked questions are available at www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.

Public Health Services recommends that everyone who is eligible for a vaccination receive the first vaccine that is available to them. We need to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, to reserve healthcare and hospital capacity and to protect vulnerable populations.

“Our entire community continues to make a big push to increase vaccination rates to ensure we can have the highest level of protection possible against COVID-19 heading into the fall,” said Mayor of Hamilton, Fred Eisenberger. “Achieving high levels of vaccination is the best way to ensure Hamiltonians can protect who we love and get back to shouting Oskee Wee Wee in the stands with all of our friends at Tim Hortons Field. I want to thank the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC for their partnership on this mobile clinic, and for championing Hamilton’s vaccination efforts.”

Quick facts

• The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in individuals aged 12 and over.
• On June 26, 2021, Hamilton youth ages 12 to 17 became eligible for an accelerated second dose at a 28-day interval.
• Vaccine administration rates may differ based on local context.
• Mixing of mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer), as well as mixing AstraZeneca and an mRNA vaccine is safe, effective and makes sure more Hamiltonians can receive their second dose and its strong protection against COVID-19 sooner.
• Information regarding COVID-19 vaccine clinics and frequently asked questions are available on www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.
• All vaccination planning is based on and contingent on available COVID-19 vaccine supply.
• It is vital that members of the public, even those who have been vaccinated, ensure that public health measures still be practiced until it is safe and said to be safe by the health professionals in all levels of government.

Additional resources

• www.hamilton.ca/COVIDvaccines
• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• https://covid-19.ontario.ca
• https://kidshealthfirst.ca/
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]