By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is making a bold move to get second COVID-19 shots into local arms faster by cancelling all second-dose appointments from the provincial booking system made in August, September, October, and November at its COVID-19 vaccination clinic sites in Minden, Cobourg, Fenelon Falls and Campbellford, effective Aug. 3.
The move is meant to encourage everyone to take the initiative now to reschedule your second-dose appointment to an earlier time or simply go on a walk-in basis to any of these sites.
The impetus for this action is the news that the more-infectious Delta variant is now the most common strain of COVID-19 in Ontario and their wish to have everyone aged 12 and older get their second doses as soon as possible for maximum protection as soon as possible.
“Currently, there are plenty of COVID-19 vaccine doses available and many places in which to get immunized in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes,” the press release said.
“With ample COVID-19 vaccine supply and many vacant appointments this week, we are asking people not to delay getting their second dose,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking urged.
“As fall arrives, we expect to see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our area. People who have not received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccine will be most at risk, so the sooner everyone is fully vaccinated, the better our communities will be protected.”
There are many ways to get a second (or first) COVID-19 shot.
Use the provincial booking system at www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine or 1-833-943-3900. The health unit has many appointments available for the rest of July and more appointments are being posted for August. All clinics will be offering both mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).
Walk into vaccine clinics in Cobourg, Minden, Fenelon Falls and Campbellford. Dates can be found at www.hkpr.on.ca
Sign up for a stand-by list at health unit vaccine clinics, to be called if extra doses remain near the end of the day. See www.hkpr.on.ca for details.
Check with your primary care provider to see about getting vaccinated – many Family Health Teams and community health centres are offering doses.
Contact a local pharmacy. Select pharmacies in the area are offering mRNA vaccines and are taking appointments – visit Ontario’s Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccine web page for more details.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding to rebook second dose appointments earlier or walk in for a vaccine,” Dr. Booking said.
“Getting needles into more arms as quickly as possible is the best way to fight COVID-19 and the Delta variant.”
