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Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on by Chandra

Anyone in Ontario age 12 and older is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. To get your vaccine, visit the provincial booking system or call 1-833-943-3900 to make an appointment for first or second doses.

The Pfizer, Moderna and COVID-19 vaccines require you to have two doses to be fully vaccinated. NOTE: The National Advisory Committee on Immunization now recommends that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the preferred ones to get for your first and second doses. Both Pfizer and Moderna can be used interchangeably with each other if needed. Currently, Ontario continues to offer all three of these vaccines (AstraZeneca included).

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Timing for Second Dose

In Ontario, the second dose for vaccines is now given up to 112 days after the first dose. Due to increasing vaccine supply, the Province has announced updated timelines to further shorten the period for people to get a second dose of COVID-19 vaccines based on age and other criteria.

  • Starting June 21, anyone who received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on or before May 9 will be eligible to book (or rebook) their second dose appointment at a shorter interval.
  • Starting the week of June 28, everyone in Ontario 18 years of age and older who received a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be eligible to book a second dose appointment.
  • If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine as your first dose, you can now get your second dose after eight to 12 weeks. Your second dose can be AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna, as Ontario is now allowing the mixing of vaccines if desired.

If you book a new second dose appointment at a shortened interval through the provincial booking system, you will receive an email confirming the cancellation of your original second dose appointment. This is normal.

If you book a new second dose appointment at a shortened interval through a pharmacy or primary health care provider, you must go into the provincial booking system to cancel your original second dose appointment.

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Booking Your Second Dose
If Your First Dose Appointment Was Made Through Provincial Booking System

You will have already received an appointment for your second dose. If you need to change your appointment, please call the provincial booking system booking number: 1-833-943-3900 or go online.

Please note: you may need to go to a different clinic location for your second dose appointment. Please check for updated vaccination clinic locations prior to your appointment.

If you are eligible for a shortened dose interval and are not able to book an appointment through the provincial booking system, provincial call centre, your health care provider or pharmacy, follow the instructions to be added to the Click and Connect system and be placed on a booking list for a second dose appointment. 

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If Your First Dose Appointment Was Made Elsewhere
Individuals who:
  • Received a first dose at an immunization clinic prior to March 25: you will be contacted directly about how to book an appointment for a second dose.
  • Received their first dose of vaccine through a hospital clinic: the hospital will contact you directly to book your appointment for second dose. If you are eligible for a shortened dose interval, the hospital will contact you about changes to your appointment.
  • Health care workers and essential caregivers who received their first dose of vaccine at a long-term care or retirement home: Check to see if there are plans for vaccination at your facility. If not, follow the instructions to be added to the Click and Connect system and be placed on a booking list for a second dose appointment.
  • Received their first dose of vaccine as an end-of-day dose at a Health Unit immunization clinic: you will need to book an appointment through the provincial booking system, pharmacy or a primary care provider. Please book a second dose appointment when you are eligible for a shortened interval.
  • Received their first dose through a pharmacy or primary care provider after March 25: you will be provided a second dose appointment from the pharmacy or health care provider. 
  • Received their first dose of vaccine at a clinic held specifically for Indigenous adults: you will be contacted directly about how to book an appointment for a second dose.
  • Are receiving dialysis at a local hospital: the hospital will be in contact with you to schedule your second dose.
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How to Use the Click and Connect System for Appointments

If you are eligible, but unable to book a vaccination appointment through the provincial booking system, you will be directed to contact the Health Unit.

When you use the Click and Connect feature, the Health Unit will receive a message. Please read and follow the steps below.

Step 1:
  • 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?
Step 2:
  • Proceed to the ‘do you still have a question’ tab and enter the following information: Important note: Please be sure to write down the types of information listed below. All of the information is required and must be complete. 
  • Type “Add to Special Booking List”
  • Identify what priority population you belong to
  • Provide your first and last name.
  • Provide a valid email address. 
  • Provide your date of birth.
  • Provide your health card number with version code.
  • Provide your phone number.
  • Provide name of your primary care practitioner (e.g. doctor) if you have one

**If you do not provide ALL of this information, the Health Unit cannot process your request.

If you are eligible and have provided ALL of the required information, someone from the health unit will call you to discuss your options to book an appointment. 

Please bring the following to your appointment:

  • Identification if you work and meet eligibility criteria.
  • A list of your medications
  • A valid health card (OHIP)
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Additional Resources

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Posted on by gstruthers
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Visited our COVID-19 vaccine clinic?
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How to Book a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment:

  • If you are age 12+, you are eligible to book through the provincial booking system or calling 1-833-943-3900.
  • Once a clinic is filled, it will no longer be visible on 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, please do not go to the clinic event as it means you do not have an appointment. Instead revisit the online system or call the customer service desk to book your appointment and receive your confirmation code.
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 1-833-943-3900

Individuals aged 12+ who do not have internet access, can call 1-833-943-3900.

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.

  • Watch! This short Health Unit video shows you what goes on behind the scenes at clinics to successfully get vaccines into arms.
Northumberland County
Cobourg
  • Cobourg Community Centre – 750 D’Arcy Street, Cobourg (view map)
    • Clinics are scheduled for June 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. If a clinic is filled, it will not appear on the provincial booking system. More clinic dates will be added as vaccine allocations are confirmed.
Campbellford
City of Kawartha Lakes
Lindsay
  • Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) – 354 Angeline Street South, Lindsay (view map)
    • Clinics are held Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
    • 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
  • Fenelon Falls Community Centre – 27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls (view map)
    • Clinics are scheduled for June 19, 25. If a clinic is filled, it will not appear on the provincial booking system. More clinic dates will be added as vaccine allocations are confirmed.
    • Important note: There is no clinic at this location on Sunday, June 20. An error in the provincial booking system may have made it appear a clinic would be held on that date at this location.
Haliburton County
Haliburton

This clinic is now closed. If you received your first dose at the Haliburton clinic, you would have had a second dose appointment booked. The time and date of your appointment will remain the same, but the location is the clinic at the S.G. Nesbit Memorial Arena in Minden.

Residents who are now eligible for their second dose can re-schedule their appointment online through the provincial booking system or provincial call centre (1-833-943-3900), or contact their local pharmacies to see about booking an appointment. As well, residents can also check with their primary health care providers to see if they can book an appointment.

Minden
  • S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena – 55 Parkside Street, Minden (view map)
    • Clinics are scheduled for June 26, 29. If a clinic is filled, it will not appear on the provincial booking system. More clinic dates will be added as vaccine allocations are confirmed.
Please note:
  • Vaccination appointments are booked based on vaccine availability
  • Additional clinics and or clinic locations may be added in the coming weeks.
  • If you have received a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, click here for an After-Care 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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Pharmacy Vaccine Locations

Hundreds of Ontario pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible residents. This includes select pharmacies in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

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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Community Health Centres/Family Health Teams

Some local Community Health Centres and Family Health Teams are receiving vaccine and are hosting “pop up” or mobile vaccination clinics. Please contact your local Family Health Team or Community Health Centre directly for more details.

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Additional Resources:

Youth and COVID-19 Vaccination

Posted on by Chandra

The time is right for area youth to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Individuals aged 12 to 17 years are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during the month of June. This will ensure they are eligible to receive their second dose in August so that they are fully vaccinated when school resumes in September.

Youth are encouraged to book an appointment for their vaccination at any of the Health Unit’s immunization clinics. Appointments for the clinics must be booked through the provincial booking system. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use in individuals aged 12 to 17 and the vaccine will be available at Health Unit’s clinics.

What you need to know:

  • Individuals 12 to 17 years can book an appointment at any of the Health Unit’s immunization clinics.
  • Appointments at the clinics must be booked through the provincial booking system (www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine) or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
  • Pfizer vaccine will be administered during these youth-focused clinics.
  • Some local pharmacies may also provide youth vaccinations and should be contacted directly to book appointments.
  • As well, primary health care providers may also offer vaccinations to their younger patients and their families.

Additional Resources:

Reopening Businesses and Services – Step One

Posted on by gstruthers
Current Situation
  • Ontario is now in Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen. Step One rules are the same across Ontario, including Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. There are no more colour zones for different regions.
  • For full details on Step One, visit the Ontario government website. In general during Step One: non-essential retailers can open for limited in-person shopping; outdoor dining is permitted on restaurant patios; outdoor gatherings increase in size to up to 10 people; and more outdoor activities like camping, fitness classes and religious services can resume. Read further on this page for more details.
  • Ontario entered Step One on June 11 and is expected to remain in this phase for at least 21 days. If vaccination goals are met and there are positive trends in COVID-19 numbers, then Ontario would move to Step Two with more openings and less restrictions.

On This Page

Highlights – Step One
  • Step One allows outdoor activities to resume with smaller, well-managed crowds where risk of COVID-19 spread is reduced.
  • More retailers and other amenities can also open with restrictions.
  • You can leave home to travel, but are not allowed to host members of another household indoors (except for a caregiver or a person from another household who lives alone). Travel from Manitoba or Quebec into Ontario is still restricted (with exemptions).
  • Please refer to Ontario Regulation 82/20 for a complete list of public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in Step One.
  • Please follow these new rules, while continuing COVID-19 prevention measures such as wearing masks, practising physical distancing by keeping two metres apart from others outside your household, and frequent handwashing with soap and water.
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Specific Rules – Step One

Read on for more details on Stage One rules.

Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings
  • Up to 10 people are now allowed at outdoor gatherings and organized public events. Be sure to maintain 2 metres physical distance from anyone you do not live with. You must wear a mask if you are within 2 metres of a person who is not part of your household.
  • Indoor gatherings are still not allowed in Step One, except with members of your own household (people you live with) and caregivers. Individuals who live alone may have exclusive contact with another household to reduce the impact of social isolation.
  • Limit close contact to only members of your household (the people you live with).
  • Retirement homes are exempt from organized public event and social gathering restrictions.
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Religious Services, Weddings and Funerals
  • Indoor weddings, funerals and religious services are now allowed at 15% capacity of the particular room.
  • Outdoor services are allowed, with capacity limited to permit 2 metres physical distancing
  • Receptions held outdoors are allowed, but with a maximum of 10 people
  • Indoor receptions are not permitted at this time, except with members of the same household.
  • Drive-in services, rites or ceremonies are permitted, with certain conditions
  • Virtual services are allowed
  • Click here for more information on COVID-19 prevention measures at places of worship.
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Businesses and Services

Click here for specifics on which businesses/services can open and resume. In general:

  • Restaurants and bars can now expand their services to include outdoor dining. Up to four people are allowed per table on patios (more than four people can sit at a table if they are members of the same household). Dine-in customers must be seated at all times (except to pay or use washroom) and must be screened for COVID-19. Tables must be spaced at least 2 metres apart or have a barrier separating them. Indoor dining remains closed in Step One, but restaurants/bars can continue offering takeout, drive-through and delivery services
  • Essential retailers (including discount and big box stores) remain limited to 25% capacity, but are now allowed to sell all items without restrictions.
  • Non-essential retailers can now reopen for in-person shopping, but with a 15% capacity limit. There are no restrictions on the items that can be sold.
  • Retail stores in malls that have a street-facing entrance may open to in-person shopping (at 15% capacity). Stores located inside malls must stay closed except for delivery and pickup (at a designated location)
  • Sports and recreational fitness facilities must stay closed for indoor use (except with limited exceptions such as accessing washrooms). However, they can be open for outdoor fitness classes and outdoor personal training, with up to 10 people and 3 metres distance between participants. All patrons must have their contact information collected and be actively screened for COVID-19. Outdoor team sports are also allowed, but for training only.
  • Hotels and motels are open for overnight stays.
  • All construction is allowed
  • Veterinarian services and animal care services (like pet grooming, animal shelters, pet sitters, etc.) remain open
  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas may open for drive-in and drive-through concerts, events or performances. Patrons must remain in their vehicles with limited exceptions (such as using washroom). Outdoor rehearsals or performances (for a recorded or broadcasted concert) are allowed with restrictions, including being limited to no more than 10 performers.
  • Personal care services (like barbershops, hair salons, tattoo studios, etc.) remain closed.
  • Meeting and event spaces remain closed (with exceptions for government operations, court services, etc.)
  • Drive-in movie theatres can open. All other movie cinemas remain closed
  • Casino, bingo halls and gaming establishments remain closed
  • Click here for a full list of businesses that must remain closed in Step One.
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Outdoor Activities and Amenities
  • Outdoor amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, and basketball courts remain open with restrictions. Horse riding is also permitted, with restrictions. Anyone using these amenities much stay two metres apart from anyone outside their household.
  • Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides can all open, but with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
  • Short-term rentals such as cottages, cabins, and resorts are now allowed to open. Outdoor pools can open. However, indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas/whirlpools and indoor fitness centres/recreational facilities at these sites must stay closed.
  • Marinas can be open, but all indoor amenities must stay closed. Recreational boating is allowed, but only members of the same household can be on the same boat.
  • Day camps are allowed to reopen, based on guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Overnight camps remain closed for now, but can reopen in Step 2 of reopening.
  • Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites (including Ontario Parks) is now allowed.
  • Outdoor horse racing tracks and motor speedways can reopen with restrictions, but no spectators are allowed
  • Outdoor attractions like zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions can reopen with reduced capacity and other restrictions
  • Fairs and rural exhibitions remain closed
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Garage/Yard Sales

Outdoor garage and yard sales are now allowed, but with the following COVID-19 restrictions in place:

  • No more than 10 people total are allowed at a time
  • People must stay 2 metres apart from others
  • Sale items must be displayed outdoors, not inside garages or other enclosed structures
  • Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer and recommend its use
  • Masks are recommended if people cannot maintain 2 metres (6 feet) physical distance
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About Ontario’s Three-Step Roadmap to Reopen

Ontario’s three-step reopening plan is based on overall COVID-19 vaccination rates in Ontario and other key health indicators (such as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and new admissions). In general:

  • Step One:
    • Starts after 60% of Ontario adults receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and if public health indicators mean it is safe to start on the Roadmap.
    • Step One allows outdoor activities to resume with smaller, well-managed crowds where risk of COVID-19 spread is reduced. More retailers and other amenities can also open with restrictions.
  • Step Two
    • Starts when 70% of Ontario adults have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 20% of adults have two doses, and there are positive trends in health indicators,
    • This step further expands outdoor activities, while allowing limited indoor services with restrictions and small numbers of people who wear masks.
  • Step Three
    • Moves here if 70-80% of Ontario adults have one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and one-quarter of adults have both doses. Health indicators must also be trending in a positive way.
    • This steps allows more indoor services to resume, with restrictions and larger numbers of people allowed inside.
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Additional Resources:

Click on the following links for additional support:

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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
  • Remote learning will continue at all elementary and secondary schools in Ontario for the remainder of the 2020/21 school year. No return to in-person learning at schools will happen before the start of the next academic year in September 2021.
  • Child care for non-school aged children will remain open, but before and after school programs will be closed. Free emergency child care for the school-aged children of eligible health care and frontline workers will be provided. 
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 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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