Routine vaccinations protect people and those around them against diseases like measles and polio, and are required for school and daycare attendance. For children and youth who are facing barriers to accessing routine vaccinations in the community, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is helping them get caught up on their vaccines. In addition to Ottawa Public Health’s Family Vaccination Clinics, four Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs now offer routine vaccinations. All vaccines at these clinics are offered at no cost, and an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card is not required.
What are Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs?
OPH is working with City and community partners to deliver integrated services closer to where people live, by providing additional access to drop-in health and social services at no cost. There are currently 14 Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs (NHWHs) that offer a range of services, including: COVID-19, flu, school and routine childhood vaccination, dental screenings, mental health and substance use health services and wellbeing support, parenting support, and financial assistance services. The hubs provide an opportunity to speak in-person with OPH and/or City of Ottawa staff. Different services are offered at different locations. More information can be found at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub.
Who can access routine vaccination at these clinics?
The NHWHs provide routine vaccinations for children and youth from two months to 17 years of age who meet any of the criteria below:
- the child is a newcomer to Canada
- the child does not have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
- the child does not have a primary health care provider, such as a family doctor, pediatrician or a nurse practitioner
- the child is currently unable to access immunizations through their health care provider
Where and how can children and youth get vaccinated?
Appointments are not required at NHWHs, as drop-ins are welcome. Children can receive their routine vaccinations at the following hub locations:
- AMA Community Centre, 1216 Hunt Club Road Bellevue Community Centre, 1475 Caldwell Avenue
- Emerald Plaza Library, 1547 Merivale Road
- Jules Morin Field House, 400 Clarence Street East
For locations, hours of operation and the services provided at each clinic, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub or call the OPH Information Centre at 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to NHWHs, OPH is also offering routine immunization services at Family Vaccination Clinics in Ottawa.
