With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror – and temperatures dropping – the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge district health unit (HKPR) is reminding the public to stay up to date on vaccinations as flu season looms.
HKPR medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking, said people should prioritize getting their flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots this month.
“Let’s all continue to protect ourselves and our community by staying up to date,” Bocking said, with free boosters available to anyone six months and older starting Oct. 28. “Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies and primary care teams.
“We are ensuring our critical health care services are there for those who need them most,” she added.
The drug store at the Independent, Haliburton Highland Pharmacy, Rexall, and Shoppers Drug Mart in Haliburton will be offering both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine, as will Highland Remedy’s RX and Pharmasave in Minden and Pharmasave in Dorset. The Wilberforce MultiCare Pharmacy will be offering flu shots only.
Bocking advises people to reach out to their local pharmacy ahead of time to book an appointment, though in some cases walk-ins may be accepted.
Since Sept. 1, there have been 1,269 hospital visits across HKPR relating to respiratory illnesses and infections, with 20 patients admitted.
There have been four confirmed deaths across the region, though the health unit said mortality from COVID-19 and influenza are likely to be under-reported.
Also beginning this month, families with infants born in 2024 and high-risk children up to the age of two will have access to publicly-funded RSV immunization. Bocking said the shots are available through family physicians or local health care providers.
The RSV prevention program is expanding later in the fall, with the shots available to retirement home residents.
Bocking said the health unit will continue to provide COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines to eligible children aged between six months and five, starting in November. To book an appointment call 1-866-8884577 ext. 1507.
