KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) has announces that additional COVID-19 clinics have been added within Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes to ensure vaccine accessibility for all area residents.
In May, the number of places and spaces in which to get COVID-19 vaccines will greatly expand, including the opening of two new COVID-19 vaccination clinic sites at the Lindsay Exhibition site in Lindsay and the Columbus Community Centre in Cobourg.
“We realize there is increasing demand and eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, so we want to ensure everyone who wants to roll up their sleeve can get the vaccine,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health with the Health Unit. “Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. Staying up-to-date on vaccines, including boosters, greatly reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization from the virus. It’s also important that if someone hasn’t yet got a first or second dose, now is the time to get one.”
Fourth doses are now recommended for everyone 60 years and older, as well as First Nation, Inuit and Metis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members age 18+. There must be five months, or 140 days, since the third dose according to the health unit.
Local residents can get COVID-19 vaccines in a number of ways:
- Book an appointment at Health Unit-led clinics in Port Hope, Cobourg, Lindsay, Brighton and Haliburton.
To do so, visit the Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900. HKPRDHU continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at Health Unit offices in Lindsay and Port Hope, and select dates at the Brighton and Haliburton high schools (these are open to the public). HKPRDHU is opening two new clinics: one at the LEX in Lindsay (operating as a drive-through clinic) and the other in Cobourg at the Columbus Community Centre.
- Get on the GO, by getting vaccinated aboard the GO-VAXX bus mobile clinic that is coming to the area. In May and June, the GO-VAXX bus will be in the Health Unit region more than two dozen times, including planned stops in Cobourg, Bewdley, Brighton, Castleton, Campbellford, Codrington, Colborne, Warkworth, Fenelon Falls, Kirkfield, Omemee, Haliburton, Minden and Gooderham. The GO-VAXX clinics run on a walk-in basis while vaccine supplies last.
For a current list of Health Unit-led clinics and GO-VAXX stops, visit www.hkpr.on.ca or call 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020.
Many local pharmacies and primary care providers continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines, including fourth doses to those who are eligible.
“The pandemic is still with us, and while we’re all tired and hoping for a break, we need to continue to keep up our guard as we adjust to life with COVID-19,” Dr. Bocking adds. “Living with COVID-19 means we continue to follow those measures that have worked so well for us these last two years. This includes washing hands with soap and water, staying home if sick, coughing/sneezing into our sleeves, and, at the top of the list, staying up-to-date on our vaccines.”
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