Mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics are being held for the next few weeks at Loyalist College.
As there is now lab confirmation of the first cases of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant in the region, there is a collaborative effort between Quinte Health Care (QHC), Loyalist College and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH), to bring more COVID-19 vaccine clinics to the community and to provide more access to those in need of a vaccine.
Additional mass vaccination clinics will be running at Loyalist College, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., on the following dates:
- December 22, 23, 24
- December 27 – 31
- January 3 – 7
Anyone 18+ requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a third dose booster, can book an appointment through the provincial booking site, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
“It will take a community-wide effort to boost our collective defense against the highly transmissible Omicron variant, and it is Quinte Health Care’s goal to help get as many shots in arms as quickly as possible,” said Jeff Hohenkerk, Vice President, Quinte Health Care. “By combining resources with Loyalist College and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health to get these additional clinics in place, it could mean up to 13,000 additional vaccines in arms, which will help immensely in protecting the people of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, as well as preserving our already-strained health care resources, by preventing more transmission and severe illness.”
The vaccination clinics will be hosted at Loyalist College with staffing provided by QHC, Loyalist College nursing students, and many nurses, doctors, paramedics, clerks and attendants from within the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, making these clinics a truly collaborative effort.
“We are happy to support our Bay of Quinte community by hosting additional vaccination clinics on campus at this critical moment in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “It is such a wonderful experiential learning opportunity for students to utilize their skills while also protecting the health and well-being of our wider community. I am so immensely proud of our Loyalist College students, faculty, and staff who once again quickly responded and mobilized to make these clinics happen in partnership with QHC and HPEPH.”
“The Omicron variant is highly transmissible and early evidence suggests it can produce severe disease, with the greatest risk to those who are unvaccinated,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer at HPEPH. “I strongly urge everyone to get fully vaccinated, and get a booster dose as soon as possible. Please remain vigilant and continue to follow public health measures that have proven to be effective throughout the pandemic – these key steps will help reduce your risk and keep you, and your loved ones, as safe as possible.”
