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Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Find COVID-19 vaccination clinics near you, including who is eligible for shots.

Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines – Now Available

Starting at 8:00 a.m. on September 12, 2022, bivalent COVID-19 booster appointments will be available to and can be booked for the most vulnerable populations, including:

  • Individuals aged 70 and over;
  • Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services;
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
  • Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over;
  • Pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and
  • Health care workers aged 18 and over.

To prioritize distribution to these populations, new booster appointments for Ontarians aged 18 and over will be paused until September 26. However, to allow for convenient planning and preparation, individuals 18 years of age and older who do not belong to a priority population can start booking their appointments today, the availability of which is based on shipment schedules and supply from the federal government. Appointments can still be booked through any available clinics for 6 months to 4 years primary series, as well as  5 to 11 and 12 to 17 booster doses. All previously-booked booster appointments for September 12 to 25 will be honoured and, if available, the bivalent vaccine will be offered.
 
Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly recommended and will be replacing the original first, second and third booster doses as vaccine eligibility expands throughout the fall months.

Health Canada has approved a booster (third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years
  • The recommended booster dose for this age group may be offered at least six months after completion of a primary series. Booster doses for ages 5-11 are not yet available in this area, as the Health Unit awaits provincial guidance on its use. Check back for further updates soon.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5 – Now Available
  • The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children ages six months up to five years. Parents/guardians can now book a vaccine for their young child in the following ways:
    • If you have a family doctor, contact their office directly to get the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Many health care providers are providing the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
    • If you do not have a family doctor, or your doctor is not offering COVID-19 vaccine to children ages six months to five years, you can attend a family-friendly clinic organized by the Health Unit. You must book an appointment using the Provincial Booking System or calling 1-833-943-3900 (no walk-ins taken at these pediatric clinics).

How to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine:

Scroll down this page or click here for a list of current COVID-19 vaccination clinics available in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes (please check back, as more dates will be added).

  • Book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine at Health Unit-run clinics. Please use the online Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900
  • GO-VAXX vaccine clinics are available by appointment, which can be booked no earlier than 4 business days prior to the clinic date. To book an appointment, visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 
  • COVID-19 vaccines (including fourth doses for those who are eligible) are also available at local pharmacies and from primary care providers in the region.

Special Notes

  • Find out who is eligible for first, second, third and fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) remain the recommended ones to get.
  • Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Two new COVID-19 vaccines — the Novavax and Medicago vaccines — have been approved for use in Canada. Both are more traditional vaccines (neither is mRNA based).
  • To get a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, and leave your full name and phone number. You must be a resident of Haliburton County, Northumberland County or the City of Kawartha Lakes. You will be called back to arrange an appointment for getting the vaccine. If you live outside these regions, please contact your local health unit/department.
  • The Medicago COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available in this area. Please check back for more information. To book an appointment for a Medicago dose, call 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020. You must be a resident of Haliburton County, Northumberland County or the City of Kawartha Lakes (those who live outside these regions should contact their local health department).
  • NOTE: The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID vaccine will no longer be provided to clients unless they produce a doctor’s note stating there are medical reasons why they cannot get any of the other COVID vaccines.
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Who is Eligible for Vaccines

Anyone age six months and older is now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Click on the links below for eligibility for specific vaccine doses:

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Health Unit Vaccination Clinics

Vaccination clinics hosted by the Health Unit are now available on an appointment-only basis using the online Provincial Booking System or calling 1-833-943-3900. Please bring your Ontario health card.

  • Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation support are now available at all of our clinics.  Please let our staff know of your needs when you arrive at the clinic. 
  • Both mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are available.
  • Please note that masks must still be worn at these clinics. If you do not have one, a medical mask will be provided to you at the clinic. Wear the mask properly so it covers your nose, mouth and chin.
Clinic Dates, Times and Locations
Alderville First Nation
Northumberland County

COBOURG

  • Northumberland Mall, 1111 Elgin St W, Cobourg
  • (Please Note: GO-VAXX bus will be located outside the mall; this clinic is not affiliated with the Northumberland Family Health Team)
    • October 29, 11am to 7pm
    • GO-VAXX bus will be on site providing first, second, third and fourth doses (if eligible) for anyone age 5+
    • GO-VAXX vaccine clinics are by appointment only. To book an appointment, visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal or call 1-833-943-3900.
  • Knights of Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E. in Cobourg
    • September 27
    • First, second, third and booster doses available for anyone age 6 months and older (subject to eligibility). PLEASE NOTE Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is available on this date for children ages 6 months to 5 years; only for those without a family doctor or whose health care provider is not providing pediatric vaccine. Appointment only. Please use the online Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900.
  • Knights of Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E. in Cobourg
    • October 6, 7, 13, 14 – 10am to 5pm
    • First, second, third and booster doses including bivalent booster available for anyone age 6 months and older (subject to eligibility). PLEASE NOTE Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is available on this date for children ages 6 months to 5 years; only for those without a family doctor or whose health care provider is not providing pediatric vaccine. Appointment only. Please use the online Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900.

CAMPBELLFORD

CODRINGTON

City of Kawartha Lakes

LINDSAY

  • Lindsay Exhibition, 354 Angeline Street South, in Lindsay
    • September 28, 29, 11am to 5pm
    • First, second, third and booster doses available for anyone age 6 months and older (subject to eligibility). PLEASE NOTE Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is available on this date for children ages 6 months to 5 years; only for those without a family doctor or whose health care provider is not providing pediatric vaccine. Appointment only. Please use the online Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900.
  • Lindsay Exhibition, 354 Angeline Street South, in Lindsay
    • October 3, 4, 11, 12 – 10am to 5pm
    • First, second, third and booster doses including bivalent booster available for anyone age 6 months and older (subject to eligibility). PLEASE NOTE Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is available on this date for children ages 6 months to 5 years; only for those without a family doctor or whose health care provider is not providing pediatric vaccine. Appointment only. Please use the online Provincial Booking System or call 1-833-943-3900.

FENELON FALLS

Haliburton County

MINDEN

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Primary Care Partner Clinics

Please contact your health care provider to see if COVID-19 vaccines are available, including pediatric vaccines for children ages six months to five years.

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Pharmacy Locations

For a full list of pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines, visit Ontario’s Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccine page. You can search the list of participating pharmacies by community or using your postal code.

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Need a ride to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment? Click here for options in your community
Have Questions About COVID-19 Vaccine? Speak to a Health Professional

Make an appointment to talk with a doctor/nurse if you have questions or concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Access these free services:

Please note:

  • There have been a small number of reports of pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) after getting a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in Canada. Click here to learn more in this Public Health Ontario fact sheet.
  • Before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, drink water and eat something ahead of time. Being well-hydrated and having something in your stomach reduces your risk of feeling faint after your shot.
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Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A

Starting at 8:00 a.m. on September 12, 2022, bivalent COVID-19 booster appointments will be available to and can be booked for the most vulnerable populations, including:

  • Individuals aged 70 and over;
  • Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services;
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
  • Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over;
  • Pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and
  • Health care workers aged 18 and over.

To prioritize distribution to these populations, new booster appointments for Ontarians aged 18 and over will be paused until September 26. However, to allow for convenient planning and preparation, individuals 18 years of age and older who do not belong to a priority population can start booking their appointments today, the availability of which is based on shipment schedules and supply from the federal government. Appointments can still be booked through any available clinics for 6 months to 4 years primary series, as well as  5 to 11 and 12 to 17 booster doses. All previously-booked booster appointments for September 12 to 25 will be honoured and, if available, the bivalent vaccine will be offered.
 
Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly recommended and will be replacing the original first, second and third booster doses as vaccine eligibility expands throughout the fall months.

What is the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine? How is it different from the current COVID-19 vaccines available? 

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine, that targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant. 

A bivalent COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by Health Canada for use as a booster dose. Since the bivalent vaccine is being offered as a booster dose, those who receive it must have already completed a primary series. 

Is the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine better than the current COVID-19 vaccines available? 

All Health Canada approved vaccines provide lasting protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19. 

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario. That’s why the province will first offer bivalent COVID-19 boosters to the most vulnerable populations, who face a higher risk of severe illness from the virus and then make the bivalent vaccine available to the general population.  

As evidence shows that vaccine protection decreases over time, all Ontarians aged 18 and over are encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations. 

If I am aged 18 and over, can I get the bivalent vaccine as part of my primary vaccine series? 

No. Currently, the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is only authorized for use as a booster dose. Eligible Ontarians will need to have completed a full primary series with the original vaccine before being able to receive the bivalent vaccine as a booster. 

How did the government determine which groups would be offered the bivalent booster first? 

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine protects against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario. 

Based on guidance from the federal government and NACI, Ontario will first offer bivalent COVID-19 boosters to the most vulnerable populations, who face a higher risk of severe illness from the virus compared to the general population. This is a result of receiving smaller, limited, initial shipments of bivalent vaccines from the federal government.  

When can children and youth aged five to 17 expect to be eligible to receive a bivalent vaccine as their booster? 

Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to17 will be eligible to receive a bivalent vaccine as their booster beginning Monday, September 12. 

Ontario is expecting to offer an additional bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to all individuals aged 12 and over as a booster, pending authorization from Health Canada and recommendations by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).  

Currently, no vaccine manufacturers have submitted a proposal to Health Canada for a bivalent booster dose under the age of 12. 

Should I wait for the bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized instead of getting the bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as my booster? 

People should get the first bivalent booster vaccine that is offered. 

Health Canada has one of the most rigorous scientific review systems in the world and only approves a vaccine if it is safe, works and meets the highest manufacturing and quality standards. After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada determined that the authorized bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at providing a strong immune response against COVID-19 and in particular, the Omicron variant.  

How long should I wait after receiving my last dose before getting the bivalent booster? 

Eligible individuals may get the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine at a recommended interval of six months, or at a minimum interval of three months, after receiving their last dose.  

How long should I wait after getting COVID-19 to get the bivalent booster? 

Evidence shows that vaccination combined with infection provides stronger and longer-lasting protection from COVID-19 than infection alone. With the spread of new and transmissible variants, it is important that everyone gets vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them from serious illness, hospitalization and death. 

If you have had COVID-19, you should wait a minimum of three months (84 days) after symptom onset or positive test (if you had no symptoms) to receive your booster dose; however, a six-month (168 day) interval may provide better immune response. 

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, please contact your primary care provider, or the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007), which is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and capable of providing assistance in more than 300 languages. 

How long should I wait in between receiving my bivalent booster and flu shot? 

Individuals aged five and over may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as, or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines, including the influenza vaccine. 

 How many doses of the bivalent vaccine is Ontario expecting to receive from the federal government and when? 

Ontario has received 306K doses of the bivalent vaccine from the federal government. An additional 2.6M doses have been confirmed by the federal government and are expected to arrive in Ontario by the week of September 26.  

Additional doses and timelines will continue to be confirmed, but Ontario is expecting to receive enough doses of the bivalent vaccine for all Ontarians who want to receive a booster. 

If I don’t want the bivalent booster, can I request the original vaccine? 

The updated bivalent vaccine better protects against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario. 

Health Canada has one of the most rigorous scientific review systems in the world and only approves a vaccine if it is safe, works and meets the highest manufacturing and quality standards. After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada determined that the authorized bivalent vaccine is safe and effective at providing a strong immune response against COVID-19.  

However, individuals who wish to receive the original COVID-19 vaccine can request to do so at the vaccine site.  

Have the long-term side effects of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine been determined? 

The updated bivalent vaccine has a similar safety profile to the original vaccine, with the same mild adverse reactions that resolved quickly. 

The benefits of getting vaccinated and being protected against COVID-19 far outweigh the risks of any side effects from the vaccine. COVID-19 infection may cause longer-lasting symptoms and health problems for some people, which is why it is important that individuals stay up to date with their vaccinations. 

What does it mean to be up to date with my vaccinations? 

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations if you have completed your primary series of the vaccine and, if you are aged five and older, it has been less than six months since your last dose. 

A completed primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine can include:  

  • two doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Novavax, Medicago, AstraZeneca, including COVISHIELD, in any combination, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson; or 
  • a full or partial primary series of a non-Health Canada authorized vaccine plus any additional recommended doses of a Health Canada authorized COVID19 vaccine to complete the primary series 

Individuals should receive all recommended doses for their age, including booster doses if they are eligible, to stay up to date with their COVID19 vaccinations. 

Why has Ontario updated its recommendations on when to receive a COVID-19 booster dose? What is the new recommendation? 

The province’s updated booster guidance now recommends that all Ontarians aged five and older stay up to date with their vaccinations and receive a booster dose at an interval of six months since their last dose. 

These recommendations are due to evidence showing that vaccine protection decreases over time. 

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations will provide Ontarians with an extra layer of protection to manage COVID-19 and the respiratory illness season this fall. 

Why did the province recently recommend a booster interval of five months for individuals aged 18 and over? What has changed? 

The province is making the eligibility requirements for booster doses less complex. By making all Ontarians aged five and over eligible for a booster dose after the same length of time, it will be easier for the public and vaccinators to understand when individuals are eligible for their next doses. This interval has been recommended by NACI, as evidence has shown that protection from vaccination remains after six months. 

Who is now eligible to receive a booster dose?  

Ontarians aged five and over are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. 

Healthy Schools

School is back in session, and so are efforts to support student well-being and success. Parents, educators, students and school communities all have a role to play.

Follow this link to learn more about our School Health Team

Quick Link:

School Health Team

The HKPR District Health Unit’s School Health Team is here to support healthy schools in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our team of Public Health Nurses uses a Healthy Schools approach to work with school communities and help address the needs of children, youth and families.

Together, let’s make schools healthier places for students to learn, grow and reach their full potential!

Contact our School Health Team at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1508, or schoolhealth@hkpr.on.ca if you need additional help.

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:

Flood Safety

Posted on by gstruthers

Floods are the most common natural hazard in Canada. Protect yourself from flooding. Know what to do before, during and after a flood. 

Keep COVID-19 in mind, even during a flood emergency. Follow any advice/direction of municipal staff if picking up sandbags at a municipal depot and continue to take precautions to reduce your risk of illness.

Flood Factsheets

Image of poster for cleaning your well after a flood

Cleaning Your Well After a Flood

Image of a poster for cleaning up after a flood

Cleaning Up After a Flood

Image of a poster about how to keep food safe after a flood

Food Safety

Image of a poster on how to remove mould from your home

Removing Mould

Restoring a Septic System After a Flood

For further help, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006.

You should check with your local municipality about flood preparations, including the availability of sandbags. If you are experiencing an immediate flood emergency, call your local municipality or 911.

Resources

Local Conservation Authorities
Water Levels on Area Lakes and Waterways
Ontario Government
Government of Canada
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health

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