Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has made an adjustment to its COVID-19 vaccination strategy, honing in on providing vaccinations exclusively for individuals aged 11 and under starting in January 2024.
Originally it was stated that HPPH was focusing on those 12 and under, but the organization clarified in a follow up release that it will be 11 and under.
Anyone who has reached their 12th birthday will not be eligible to attend an HPPH COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Individuals aged 12 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine from a participating pharmacy or primary care provider.
In a statement, Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth says collaborative efforts with pharmacists and local healthcare providers ensured widespread access to COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the fall.
While these collaborations will persist, HPPH will now direct its focus towards guaranteeing accessibility to children aged 11 and under.
"The holiday season has begun. Please protect yourselves and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible," said Dr. Klassen. "Note that at this time in Ontario, only residents of long-term care homes and some retirement homes are eligible for RSV vaccine. It’s not too late to get your vaccines to protect your families and communities and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season."
The HPPH Respiratory Activity 2023-2024 dashboard says the last week of November saw 51 reported cases of COVID-19 and four cases of influenza. Additionally, there were 12 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and one due to influenza. Seven residents of Huron and Perth have succumbed to COVID-19 since the beginning of the respiratory season.
There are still appointments available in the all-ages vaccine clinic being held Dec. 21 in Clinton. January clinics for those aged 11 and under are listed on the HPPH website at www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated. Appointments can be booked through the provincial vaccine portal at www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
