By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Starting this week, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is hoping to up the vaccination statistics of the youngest eligible residents by bringing immunization clinics directly to the high schools. Two-day clinics are slated in Northumberland secondary schools (as well as those in Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes) for students – as well as for staffers, parents and members of the school community. Following the two-day clinics in September to provide first and second doses for those born in 2009 or earlier, two-day clinics are also planned for October.
This initiative is run in partnership with the applicable school boards, with the goal of increasing access to the vaccine for those not yet vaccinated.
“We know that many residents have not yet been vaccinated, either because they were unable to travel to a mass immunization clinic or did not have the time available to get vaccinated,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking said in the announcement.
“Mobile clinics, like the ones planned for local schools, provide an opportunity for individuals to get vaccinated in their community. Individuals do not need an appointment, and the entire family can come to the clinics for first or second doses.”
In Northumberland, clinics run from 4 to 7 p.m., held at:
Campbellford High School Sept. 14 and 15
East Northumberland Secondary School Sept. 16 and 17
Port Hope High School Sept. 20 and 21
Cobourg Collegiate Institute Sept. 22 and 23
St. Mary Secondary School Sept. 24 and 27
St. Thomas Aquinas Sept. 24 and 27
“As we move into the fall and respiratory season, we continue to encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to do so in order to help stop further spread of the virus,” Dr. Bocking urged.
“If we all do our part and get vaccinated, we can help protect those who cannot.”
