Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 21, 2021
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has been notified by the Ministry of Health of a shipment cancellation that has impacted the availability of Pfizer vaccine for immunization clinics across Ontario, including those in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
However, momentum to deliver booster vaccinations will continue, as most clinics in the HPEPH region will be able to offer Moderna vaccine, and the Pfizer vaccine that is available will be prioritized for individuals who are 18 to 29 years old. This prioritization is in alignment with provincial recommendations to offer Pfizer to this age group to reduce risk for pericarditis or myocarditis. There is adequate supply of Moderna vaccine for adult third dose and clinics will continue to run at full capacity. Please note individuals 30 years of age and older may be offered Moderna vaccine as their third dose – and all individuals are encouraged to take advantage of their booked appointment for a booster dose, regardless of the vaccine offered. The Paediatric Pfizer vaccine dose for 5 to 11 years of age is still available and will continue to be offered at the clinics for this age group.
“I urge all residents to access their third dose in any approved combination as quickly as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health for HPEPH. “Getting a booster dose as quickly as possible will help provide you with stronger protection against the Omicron variant, as case rates continue to climb in our region.”
Residents are reminded that both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are approved by Health Canada and use a similar mRNA technology, so the vaccines are interchangeable and safe to mix. Additional information is available on our Vaccine Safety page.
Vaccination clinics will continue to run at full capacity in the HPEPH region. Book vaccine appointments through the provincial booking site, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. Residents are encouraged to get their third dose of COVID-19 vaccine (when eligible) in any approved combination to achieve maximum protection andcombat the spread of the virus in our region.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19 visit hpePublicHealth.ca.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist,
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@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. 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.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
