By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The race is speeding up – COVID-19 cases on the rise in Ontario (and the sharp increase in the proportion of these cases that are the Omicron variant) against the increased percentage of the population eligible for a first, second or third vaccination, coming just as the weather gets colder and the holiday season brings people together.
Northumberland Hills Hospital has issued a press release urging all eligible Ontarians to book vaccine appointments as soon as possible. This demographic increased this week, as those aged 50 and over are now eligible for booster doses. Expanded booster eligibility for all Ontarians aged 18 and older is anticipated Jan. 4, with appointments to be booked approximately six months after a second dose.
In the 21 months since the global pandemic was declared, a great deal has been learned about the virus.
“As we head into the holiday season, it is critically important that we each continue to do all we can to minimize the risk of COVID-19 taking hold in our community and our homes,” NHH President and Chief Administrative Officer Susan Walsh said in the press release.
“As we have been from the start of this journey, we are truly in this together. NHH will be here for you, should you need us.”
The press release included six tips for a healthy start to winter.
Get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Visit //Ontario.ca/bookvaccine to book an appointment for yourself or a loved one, change an existing appointment or download a copy of your vaccine certificate – or call the provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit website (//hkpr.on.ca/2021/09/01/vaccination.clinics/) has updates on local clinics. Families with questions about the safety of the vaccine for children can reach out virtually to the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service at Sick Kids Hospital (or call the team at 437-881-3505).
Follow the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking. Pay attention to appropriate masking practices, and keep the size and number of holiday social gatherings small. Additional precautions should be taken if all individuals are not fully vaccinated or if their vaccination status is unknown.
Stay home from work, school and public events if you are sick, and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms. The NHH COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open daily (except for statutory holidays) from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m. At 1000 DePalma Dr., Cobourg, for pre-scheduled appointments in the trailer immediately outside the Emergency Department. To book a test, call 905-377-7783.
Get your flu shot. This is recommended for those aged six months and older, and it is available from family physicians’ offices, community health centres, walk-in clinics and pharmacies (a full list of which – plus answers to frequently asked questions – can be found on the health unit website).
Pay attention to your doctor’s or nurse practitioner’s holiday hours, and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary Emergency Department visits. Local primary-care offices may have reduced hours of operation over the holiday season so now, in advance, is the time to see when your doctor or nurse-practitioner will be available and to confirm your family’s prescriptions are up to date.
Consider alternatives to the Emergency Department. This may mean local primary-care offices or community clinics to handle non-emergency health concerns. Many local family physicians operate after-hours clinics for their patients only, so check to see if your primary car provider offers such a service. If this is not an option, you can also get free telephone access to a Registered Nurse around the clock through the Telehealth Ontario service at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
