PORT HOPE, ON (January 18, 2022) - It’s now easier for certain groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Effective immediately, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is offering walk-in times at its mass immunization clinics for people ages 50 years and older, as well as individuals who are immunocompromised (and eligible for a fourth dose). People in these groups can walk in for a COVID-19 vaccine dose from 1-4:30 pm on days the Health Unit is running its clinics in Cobourg, Lindsay, Colborne, Minden, Fenelon Falls, Brighton and Campbellford. To be eligible for a booster dose or a fourth dose (if eligible), at least 84 days must have passed since your most recent shot.

Anyone under the age of 50 years is asked to continue booking a vaccine appointment on the provincial booking system or by calling 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007).

“We have extra space at our COVID-19 vaccine clinics, so are pleased to begin offering walk-in times in the afternoons for immunocompromised individuals needing a fourth vaccine dose and people 50 years and older who still need a first, second or third dose of vaccine,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “COVID-19 vaccine boosters are especially important because they offer more protection than two doses and reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization from the highly-infectious Omicron variant.”

Dr. Bocking is hopeful the availability of walk ins will encourage more people 70 years of age and older to get their booster dose. She is issuing a special “call to arms” for people 70+ to get a booster dose, especially when the Health Unit has noticed booster dose uptake among this age group has plateaued in the past week.

“Older adults have a greater risk of getting sick from COVID-19, and that’s why we encourage anyone age 70 and older who still needs a booster dose to get one,” she says. “Book an appointment or walk into any of our clinics in the afternoon, and we will be happy to provide you one.”

Anyone who knows of an older parent, grandparent, family member or loved one who has not yet received a booster dose is encouraged to assist them to get one, Dr. Bocking adds.

As of Monday (Jan. 17), 50.5% of eligible residents ages 18 years and older in the Health Unit region have received a booster dose.

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About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.