Getting a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine has just become a little easier in Northumberland County.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is inviting anyone 12 years of age and older to visit any of its mass immunization clinics in three district areas, including the town of Cobourg, for a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking says the health unit is receiving lots more vaccine which means it can offer more appointments and opportunities for people to get vaccinated.
While there are still thousands of appointments available at Health Unit clinics until the end of July, Dr. Bocking says residents can also now visit a clinic as a “walk-in” for their first or second dose.
Dr. Bocking is urging everyone who has a second dose appointment for later this summer or fall to get that second dose sooner.
In a statement release, Dr. Bocking made another point, “We know the Delta variant is more transmissible and can cause more severe illness so it’s important people get their second dose as soon as they can to ensure they are protected.”
The other group Dr. Bocking hopes to see take advantage of the increased access to vaccine right now is local youth.
With in-person learning expected to resume in the fall, Dr. Bocking says its crucial that youth aged 12 to 17 years get both doses before schools starts back in the fall.
Dr. Bocking continued, “While most young people who got COVID did not suffer severe symptoms, we don’t know if that will be the case with the variants of concern we are seeing now. For their protection, and the protection of their family and community members, it’s important that our youth get vaccinated.”