Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/July 13, 2022
All residents can help prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 in the community by staying up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. As announced by the Province today, beginning July 14, individuals 18 and older can receive a second booster dose 5 months (140 days) after their first booster.
A second booster dose is strongly recommended for individuals with underlying health conditions as well as those who spend significant amounts of time with vulnerable populations. While young, healthy individuals continue to have strong protection from three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, all individuals 18 and over are now eligible for a second booster dose, if they so choose. In HPEC 87% of residents age 12 and older have had two doses, however only 60% have received their first booster dose.
“We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, both across the province and in our region. Individuals who have any underlying health conditions or those who spend a significant amount of time with vulnerable populations are encouraged to get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible”, says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer Health and CEO at HPEPH. “As many residents plan to travel and socialize over the summer, getting a booster dose will help increase your protection against serious infection and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. This is especially important for those who are more vulnerable to severe illness.”
How to get your booster
Visit the HPEPH COVID-19 Vaccines page at hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking for clinic information. In response to the recent expansion in eligibility for booster doses, HPEPH is working to expand appointment availability and will continue to offer recurring and pop up clinics throughout the summer months. Residents are asked to be patient as HPEPH works to add additional appointments.
All HPEPH clinics will be posted at hpepublichealth.ca/vaccine-booking. Please note that due to the increase in eligibility, appointments are required for individuals ages 18-59 years old, with the exception of pop up clinics, which will continue to accept walk-in appointments for all age groups.
Many local pharmacies also continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacy locations and information is available at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
Continue to take precautions
In addition to getting vaccinated, the public health measures we are all used to practicing will continue to work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout the summer months.
- Consider gathering with friends and family outdoors, to reduce your risk of illness.
- Stay home if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild.
- Practice respiratory etiquette (like coughing into your elbow).
- Wash your hands frequently.
- If you are hosting or attending a social gathering please allow for physical distancing, outdoor gatherings are best.
- If you test positive or have symptoms, even if they are mild, you should stay home for at least five days or as otherwise advised by current isolation guidance. Individuals can be infectious for up to 10 days, so it is important that for an additional five days you wear a mask when outside your home and avoid those who are most vulnerable and high-risk settings like hospitals and long-term care.
- Wearing a well-fitted three-layer mask in public indoor settings is a personal choice that can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Remember to respect the choice of individuals who choose to wear a mask.
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Media Contact:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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