Starting next month, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will only be providing COVID vaccinations to children aged 12 and under.
Anyone older than that can still get vaccinated through a pharmacist or primary care provider.
“We’ve been proud to work with pharmacists and local healthcare providers this fall in ensuring residents of Huron-Perth had access to COVID-19 vaccinations,” Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron Perth, said in a news release.
“While pharmacists and participating healthcare providers will continue to provide COVID-19 XBB vaccinations in the community, HPPH will focus on ensuring access to youth aged 12 and under.”
HPPH has been running all-ages clinics this month ahead of the holidays.
It’s not too late to sign up. To book an appointment, click here.
“Please protect yourselves and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible,” said Dr. Klassen.
HPPH noted that at this time in Ontario, only residents of long-term care homes and some retirement homes are eligible for RSV vaccine. It’s not too late to get vaccines to protect families and communities and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season, HPPH said.
According to the HPPH’s respiratory activity dashboard, seven Huron and Perth residents have died due to COVID-19 since the start of the respiratory season.
In the last week, there have been 51 cases of COVID-19 reported and 12 hospitalizations due to the virus.
There have also been four cases of influenza, leading to one hospitalization.
In addition to vaccination, people can reduce their risk by doing the following:
- wearing a tight-fitted, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings for anyone at highest risk of severe infection and when in health-care settings/places with mask policies.
- staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask until day 10 from symptom onset
- washing hands often
- covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces
- optimizing indoor air quality
- If you are at high-risk, speak to your health care provider about antiviral treatment options in case you get sick
