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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Posted on by gstruthers

COVID-19 mass immunization clinics are now being offered locally to eligible residents in Northumberland County, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County against COVID-19.

Appointments are booked based on the priority outlined in the provincial vaccine distribution plan and are based on the local availability of vaccine.

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How to Book a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment:
  • If you were born in 1961 or earlier, you MUST book through the provincial booking system or calling 1-888-999-6488. The Health Unit cannot book an appointment for you.
  • If you are not booking based on age, but think you are eligible to be vaccinated, please click here to see if you are eligible and how you can book your vaccine appointment.
  • Once a clinic is filled, it will no longer be visible on the provincial booking system.
  • There are still vaccination appointments open in Haliburton and Minden on April 23, 24, 25. Please book through the provincial booking system.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: You will receive a confirmation code when you have successfully booked your appointment. Please bring this code with you to the clinic as required to proceed with your appointment. If you do not have a confirmation code, then please do not go to the clinic event as it means you do not have an appointment. Please instead revisit the online system or call the customer service desk to book your appointment and receive your confirmation code.
Are you eligible to book?

Click here to see if you are eligible for a vaccine and follow the steps to see how you can book an appointment.

Booking Online

Visit www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine

When booking an appointment, individuals will be asked for information from their green Ontario health card, birth date, postal code and email address and/or phone number. Individuals with an expired health card can still book an appointment. Individuals with a red and white health card will need to call the provincial information line.

At the time of booking, eligible individuals will schedule their first and second vaccination appointments.

Phone Line

Call 1-888-999-6488

Individuals born in 1961 or earlier who do not have internet access, can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488. Phone lines will be open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More information about booking an appointment: Book A Vaccination Appointment and Frequently Asked Questions

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Local Vaccination Clinics

Additional clinic appointments are added to the provincial booking system, as more COVID-19 vaccines arrive locally.

Northumberland County

Cobourg Community Centre – 750 D’Arcy Street, Cobourg (view map)

Trent Hills Emergency Services Base, 50 Doxsee Avenue, Campbellford (view map)

City of Kawartha Lakes

Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) – 354 Angeline Street South, Lindsay (view map)

The LEX Clinic will operate as a drive-through model, meaning individuals will remain in their vehicles for the duration of their appointment. There will be signage and hospital staff on-site to help navigate where to go.

Those with appointments are asked to arrive approximately 10 minutes prior to their appointment time to check in. Individuals being vaccinated should wear a loose, comfortable shirt and must bring their Ontario health card.

Fenelon Falls Community Centre – 27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls (view map) Back to Top

Haliburton County

Haliburton Family Medical Centre (Second Floor) – 7217 Gelert Road, Haliburton (view map)

MINDEN: S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena – 55 Parkside Street, Minden (view map)

HALBIBURTON: A.J. LaRue Community Centre – 728 Mountain Street, Haliburton (view map)

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Please note: vaccination appointments are booked based on vaccine availability

Please note: additional clinics and or clinic locations may be added in the coming weeks.

Pharmacy Vaccine Locations

More Ontario pharmacies are now offering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people 55 years of age and older. You can book an appointment for this free vaccine if you:

  • will be 55 years of age or older in 2021.
  • have a valid Ontario health card, or other form of valid government-issued identification.

Please note that you MUST contact the pharmacy directly to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted, and please do not contact the Health Unit as we have no involvement in this program.

Local Pharmacy Clinic Locations

At this time, only a few select pharmacies in the local Health Unit region are offering these vaccines. They include:

Northumberland County

  • Brighton: Remedy’s Rx (24 Main St.) – To book an appointment, click here.
  • Campbellford: Rx Drug Mart (16 Grand Rd.) – Call 705-653-1885 or click here to book an appointment.
  • Cobourg: Pharmacy 101 (464 Division St.) – Took an appointment, call 905-269-0828.
  • Cobourg: Wal-Mart Pharmacy (73 Strathy Rd.) – To book an appointment, click here.
  • Port Hope: Pharmasave (60 Ontario St.) – To book an appointment, click here.
  • Port Hope: Shoppers Drug Mart (249 Ontario St.) – To book an appointment, call (905) 885-8740 or click here.

City of Kawartha Lakes

  • Bobcaygeon: Shoppers Drug Mart (85 Bolton St.) – To book an appointment, click here.
  • Lindsay: Loblaw Pharmacy (400 Kent St. W.) – To book an appointment, click here.
  • Lindsay: Kawartha Lakes Pharmacy (55 Angeline St. N., Unit 4A) – To book an appointment, call 705-324-2929 or click here.
  • Lindsay: Shoppers Drug Mart (343 Kent St. W., Unit 341) – To book an appointment, click here.

Haliburton County

  • Haliburton: Rexall (224 Highland St.) – To book an appointment, call 705-457-1112 or click here.
  • Haliburton: Shoppers Drug Mart (186 Highland St.) – To book an appointment, click here.
Other Pharmacy Locations in Ontario

For other pharmacies taking place in this program, visit the Ontario government’s Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccine page. You can search the list of pharmacies by community or using your postal code.

Vaccination Clinics for Indigenous Adults

Vaccination clinics are being held for Indigenous adults (18+) and their household members (18+).

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Additional Resources:

COVID-19 Vaccines

Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Provincial Vaccine Distribution Plan

COVID-19 Homepage

Are You Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine?

Posted on by Bill

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for eligible residents in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The local Health Unit is following the Province’s vaccine distribution plan that list three phases. Currently, the province is in phase two of the vaccine distribution plan.

Are you born in 1961 or earlier? You are eligible for a vaccine, but MUST book a vaccination appointment through the provincial booking system or calling 1-888-999-6488. The Health Unit is NOT booking appointments.

Adults aged 50 and older who live in a “hot spot” community where provincial and local data demonstrate historic and ongoing high rates of COVID-19, death and severe illness due to COVID-19 are also eligible to book a vaccination appointment. This Health Unit region has NOT been identified as a “hot spot.”

Other individuals may be eligible to receive the vaccine in the current phase. If you think you are eligible for a vaccine now, read on to see how you can book your appointment.

Indigenous adults: Clinics are being held for Indigenous adults (18+) and their household members (18+).

Additional plans are being developed for local home-bound adults. Please check back for updates on vaccination clinics.

Are You Eligible for the Vaccine in This Phase?

Step One: Determine if you are eligible by clicking here: Determine if you are eligible to be vaccinated

  • If you are eligible, but unable to book a vaccination appointment through the provincial booking system due to your age, proceed to Step Two,
  • If you are unsure of your eligibility, call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488. If you are eligible, but unable to book a vaccination appointment through the provincial booking system because you are not 60 years of age or older, you will be directed to contact HKPRDHU.

Step Two: Send a message to HKPRDHU by clicking here: Click and Connect

  • Complete the information – name, phone number etc. and click NEXT.
  • Select COVID-19 Questions and then click NEXT.
  • Review your details and click NEXT.
  • Click on START QUESTIONAIRE and then click on Vaccine, immunization and eligibility. Click NEXT PAGE at the bottom of the page to proceed.
  • Answer YES to the question – Do you still have a question for the Health Unit?
  • In the box provided, type in “Need a Code.” Also type in which priority population you belong to, your first and last name, a valid email address, your date of birth, your health card number and version code, and your phone number. Please note: If you do not provide this information, the Health Unit cannot process your request.
  • Please note: Not everyone who submits a request is eligible for the vaccine at this time.
  • If you are eligible and have provided ALL of the information required, your information will be sent to the Ministry of Health.
  • The Ministry of Health will email you with a personal invitation code. The email may be from vaccine@covax.ca. Please check your junk mailbox for the email if you do not see it.

Step Three: Use the provincial booking system to book an appointment

  • Visit www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine.
  • Use the personal invitation code from your email to book an appointment at an upcoming vaccination clinic in your area. Clinics will not appear in the booking system if they are filled. Please continue to check the system for additional clinic appointments that have been added.
  • If you cannot book online, call 1-888-999-6488.

Please bring the following to your appointment:

  • Employment identification and/or how you meet eligibility criteria.
  • Ontario Health Card
  • Personal identification with photo
  • A list of your medications (if applicable)
  • Confirmation code – You will receive a confirmation code when you have successfully booked your appointments. Please bring this code with you to the clinic as required to proceed with your appointment. If you do not have a confirmation code then please do not go to the clinic event as it means you do not have an appointment. Please instead revisit the online system or call the customer service desk to book your appointment and receive your confirmation code.
Related Resources

COVID-19 Homepage

COVID-19 and Schools

Posted on by gstruthers

The Health Unit continues to work closely with local school boards and other public health units to ensure a safe return for all students, staff and families. Please read on for more information and resources for parents, school board staff and students.

Current Situation
On This Page
For Parents
Screening Your Child for COVID-19 Symptoms
What to Do If Your Child Does Not Pass Screening
Protocols When Student/Staff Test Positive for COVID-19
Return to School Protocol for Students with COVID-19 Symptoms
Provincial Resources

Guidance documents and resources:

Local School Board Resources

Learn how your local school board is working to support a safe return to class:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have my child tested for COVID-19 before they return to school?

Testing your child before returning to school is generally not recommended if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms, unless they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

What if my child shows symptoms before going to school or while at school?

As per the Ministry of Education Guide to Reopening Ontario Schools, all students and staff must self-screen every day using a checklist before arriving at school. If a student or staff member is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home from school and should seek testing and appropriate medical attention.

If a student or staff member feels sick, or develops symptoms while at school, schools will follow the following protocol:

  • Students or staff who develop COVID-19 symptoms will immediately be separated from others, and the family will be contacted to arrange pick-up.
  • Staff and students with symptoms will be directed to seek medical advice including the recommendation of testing for COVID 19 as appropriate or as advised by their medical provider. Check out local COVID 19 Assessment Centre locations, and book an appointment for COVID- 19 testing.
  • Siblings/staff of ill individual can remain in school until further medical advice is received and should self-monitor for symptoms.
  • Staff and/or students who receive an alternative diagnosis than COVID-19 can return to school once they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

Can I go to work if I don’t have any symptoms but my child is ill and we are waiting on results from their COVID-19 test?

If your child is symptomatic and has been tested for COVID-19, you and your family, including siblings, should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. You can continue to go to school and/or work if you have no symptoms.

  • If while self-monitoring symptoms of COVID-19 develop, self-isolate and be tested for COVID-19 (and no longer attend work and school).
  • If any members of your household test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by Public Health directly with more detailed advice.

What if there is a positive case in my child’s school?

If a COVID-19 positive case is identified in a school, staff from the Health Unit will provide further instructions on who else in the school may need testing and/or monitoring/isolation at that time. Staff/children who are being managed by public health (e.g. confirmed cases of COVID-19, household contacts of cases, etc.) must follow the instructions provided by the HKPR District Health Unit on when they can return to school.

What if a parent/guardian tests positive for COVID-19?

Parents/guardians are not required to report their test results to their school, however it is recommended. Members of your household are required to self-isolate and should not attend work or school. If your child is at school, your child should be picked up immediately. Staff from the HKPR District Health Unit will be in contact with you for assessment and provide further direction.

Who will declare an outbreak at the school?

The Heath Unit will declare an outbreak after identifying two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in students and/or staff (or other visitors) in a school with an epidemiological link where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the school (including transportation and before/after school care).

Examples of reasonably having acquired infection in school include:

  • No obvious source of infection outside of the school setting; OR
  • Known exposure in the school setting

HKPR District Health Unit staff will work closely with the school to determine close contacts of the case and will provide direction on isolation and facilitate testing.

Are masks now mandatory for all students?

Mandatory masking now applies for all students in Grades 1 to 12. Mask use is also required for before- and after-school programs, as well as on school vehicles. While not required, students in Junior and Senior Kindergarten are also encouraged to wear masks.

Masks must now also be worn outdoors when physical distancing can’t be maintained.

Additional Resources

Click on the following for additional support:

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For School Board Staff

Click on the following resources for guidance on safe school reopening during COVID-19:

Protocols for Individuals/Schools With COVID-19
Guidance/Checklists for Reopening Schools
For School Staff
School Nutrition Programs – Guidance and FAQs
For School Bus Drivers/Operators

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Changes to Health Unit Services in Schools Due to COVID-19

Due to the pandemic, the following services in schools are being impacted:

  • School-Based Immunization for Grade 7/8 students will not take place this fall due to COVID-19. Normally, the Health Unit provides vaccines for Hep B, HPV and Meningococcal. You can still ensure your Grade 7/8 student is vaccinated for these illnesses, as the Health Unit is offering appointment-based clinics at its offices (with full COVID-19 prevention measures in place). Book your child’s vaccination appointment by calling 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507.
  • Dental Screening for students in schools has been postponed until further notice. If your child has a toothache or cavity AND you are unable to pay for dental treatment, the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program may be able to help pay for dental care costs. For help to enroll your child in the HSO program, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1247.
  • Vision Screening for SK students has been cancelled for the 2020/21 school year. It’s recommended you call an optometrist to book a FREE eye examination for your child. To find an optometrist in your area, visit the College of Optometrists of Ontario or call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1216.

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For Students

Check out these resources to help stay safe at school during the pandemic:

About COVID-19
Washing Hands
Fighting Germs
Wearing Masks
Mental Health Support

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COVID-19

COVID-19 Homepage

Access local COVID-19 data, and information to reduce your risk of COVID-19.

Scroll down this page for resources and links on how to stay safe and protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you need further help or guidance, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, or email info@hkpr.on.ca.

Cases of COVID-19 within the HKPR District area
Local COVID-19 Vaccinations to Date
Self-Isolation During COVID-19 – Class Order Under Section 22 (5.01.1) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act 
Weekly COVID-19 Community Updates – YouTube
Additional COVID-19 Data Links
Featured Items
COVID-19 Content

COVID Alert Tracing App

Posted on by Bill

Download the COVID Alert app to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This free, easy-to-use app will:

  • Notify you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 (even before you have symptoms)
  • Offer advice on what to do next
  • Let others who have been in close contact with you know if you test positive for the virus (without sharing personal information).

The app does not collect personal information or health data, and does not know or track the location, name, address, or contacts of any user.

The more people who download COVID Alert, the more effective it is (as of late March 2021, 6.4 million Canadians had downloaded the free app). COVID Alert can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by more quickly identifying potential new cases and contacts.

To download or learn more, visit:

Influenza

With influenza season here, let’s fight flu by getting the flu vaccine.

Influenza (or the flu) is a serious respiratory illness caused by a virus. People of any age can get the flu and it can easily be spread to others through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms of influenza include: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and extreme weakness and fatigue. Most people who get the flu are ill for only a few days. However, some people can become very ill, possibly developing complications and requiring hospitalization.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the free flu vaccine!

Flu vaccine is free in Ontario and strongly recommended every year for anyone six months of age and older. Flu vaccine is safe and effective in protecting you from getting sick with the flu. The flu vaccine strengthens your immune system to build up antibodies against the virus. Even if you do get the flu, the vaccine helps ensure you have milder symptoms of the virus. The best way to prevent the flu is to be immunized every year.

Local Flu Vaccine Clinics – Individuals Aged 5 and Older

NEW! Northumberland Family Health Team is offering flu shot clinic this Wednesday (Dec. 23 from 1-3:30 pm in the lower level of Northumberland Mall (1111 Elgin St. W.) in Cobourg. Call 289-252-2139 to book an appointment.

Flu vaccine is now available at local pharmacies and through health care providers. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist directly to get the vaccine. Click here for a list of flu vaccine locations in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Flu Vaccine Clinics for Children Under 5

If your child is under the age of five years, the Health Unit is offering flu vaccine clinics by appointment. At these clinics, your child will receive their flu vaccine with full COVID-19 prevention measures in place. Book your child’s flu vaccine appointment by calling the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507.

Flu Vaccine and COVID-19

During COVID-19, it’s extra important to get the flu vaccine. Getting the flu vaccine reduces your risk of influenza. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 because the viruses are very different and distinct.

But in getting the flu vaccine this winter, you will be better protected against the flu. This means there is less likelihood you will have to go to the doctor or hospital for influenza treatment. Getting your flu vaccine helps ensure needed health care resources can be deployed to respond to COVID-19.

Additional Resources:

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