Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 11, 2022

This month, HPEPH will be offering two catch up clinics for youth and teens in grades 9 to 12 who are eligible for the Grade 7 vaccination series. As disruptions resulting from the pandemic have made it difficult for some families to access these vaccines, eligible youth/teens who have not yet received the series of vaccines, and will not receive the vaccination at school this year, are invited to book an appointment at:

In addition to the clinics mentioned above, school-based vaccination clinics are being held throughout the month of March at all local public schools, to ensure these vaccines are available for youth in Grade 7 or 8 this year. Grade 7 vaccinations include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal, and Hepatitis B. These vaccines help protect youth and teens from preventable illness and related complications – which can include organ failure (complication of meningitis), liver cancer (complication of Hepatitis B), and cancer of the neck, head or genitals (complications of HPV). Youth and teens are encouraged to protect themselves by receiving these publicly funded vaccines while they remain eligible.

These vaccines are publicly funded (free), for the following eligible individuals:

• Hepatitis B –  youth currently in Grade 7 or 8, and students born in 2006 or 2007
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – all youth currently in Grade 7-12, and female students born in 2002 or 2003
• Meningococcal – youth currently in grade 7 to 12, as well as those born in or after 1997

The Grade 7 vaccination series is also available through primary care providers or by scheduling an appointment at a Telemed clinic. For more information about the Grade 7 vaccination series, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/grade-7-vaccinations/