Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Feb. 17, 2022

As the Province continues its cautious approach to Reopening Ontario, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) thanks residents for their continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and encourages everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Starting tomorrow, youth aged 12 to 17 are eligible for a booster dose 168 days after their second dose.

How to get a booster dose

Eligible youth will receive the Pfizer vaccine, as this is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in individuals aged 12 to 17. To get the vaccine, youth do not need a health card but will need to provide informed consent. This means that they have read and understand information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

In our region, youth can get a booster dose:

• Through walk-in clinics at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and Prince Edward Community Centre, more details at hpepublichealth.ca/vaccine-booking
• By appointment at Bancroft/North Hastings Clinics by calling 613-332-2825, ext. 6227; additional information at hpepublichealth.ca/vaccine-booking
• By booking an appointment through the provincial booking system
• At local pharmacies listed at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

“Vaccines continue to be the best protection from serious health consequences due to COVID-19,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “Canadian adolescents 12 to 17 are facing record-high incidence rates of COVID-19 during this new wave, driven in large part by Omicron, and I encourage them to get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible.”

Families are encouraged to make informed decisions about vaccination by reviewing evidence-based information that has been verified by experts. Ontario’s Children’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table has a website kidshealthfirst.ca which offers resources for parents, youth, and health care/social service providers. Other evidence-based resources include:

• COVID-19 Vaccine for Youth – 10 Things You Should Know
• Attending Your Appointment – What You Need to Know
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Youth
• COVID-19 Vaccine Consent form for Youth
• covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-youth.

Additional information about vaccine safety, potential side effects, and building immunity is available at hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines/ If you still have questions about the vaccine after reviewing this information, please talk to your primary care provider.