By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit announced on Thursday that May will bring an increased number of COVID-19 vaccination clinics to make the shot more accessible, including a new site at Cobourg’s Columbus Community Centre.
On the day the press release was issued, Northumberland figures showed 26 new cases (compared to 22 a month ago), 110 cases currently active (compared to 50 a month ago) and, since Jan, 1, 57 hospitalizations and 15 deaths.
The most recent report available shows that wastewater indicators from the Cobourg monitoring site more than doubled in the week between April 6 and 17.
And at this time, only 61.4% of HKPR residents eligible to get boosters had done so.
“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,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking said.
“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 aged 60 and older – as well as First Nation, Inuit and Metis individuals and their household members aged 18 and older – provided it has been 140 days (or five months) since a third dose.
The health unit offers two ways to get the vaccine.
Book an appointment at clinics in Port Hope, Cobourg and Brighton by visiting the provincial booking system or calling 1-833-943-3900 The health unit will continue to offer vaccines by appointment at the Port Hope office and on select dates at East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton (which will be open to the public).
Get aboard the GO-VAXX bus mobile clinic when it comes to your area. In May and June, the bus will make stops in Cobourg, Bewdley, Brighton, Castleton, Campbellford, Codrington, Colborne and Warkworth. These mobile clinics are run on a walk-in bases, while supplies last.
The health unit also reminds you that many local pharmacies and primary-care providers continue to offer vaccinations, 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 our guard as we adjust to life with COVID-19,” Dr. Bocking said.
“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 and sneezing into our sleeves and, at the top of the list, staying up to date on our vaccines.”
