Working to boost immunization numbers

Many Quinte area students are behind on their immunization shots following the COVID period that has held up much of that routine.

Medical Officer of Health Ethan Toumishey reported to the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health on Wednesday that approximately 7,500 student vaccination records are not up to date.

In recent years this number would have been much lower, near the 4,000 mark.

Dr. Toumishey says this is due to COVID-19-related closures and delays.

He tells Quinte News, “We’re working with people both to get the records updated and have that availability of the vaccines as well.”

He indicated it’s more than typical but  understandable.

Letters have gone out to the families and a number of clinics are being held.

“We’re seeing more and this is understandable,” he said.

Dr. Toumishey added, “We have a variety of clinic locations listed on our immunization web page. Our immunization team, they’re working around the clock on this particular issue at this time.”

He emphasized the need to keep up to date. “We’re closely looking at what the activity is of COVID, our recommendations with those shots going into the spring, and then what would be the longer term plans with those.”

He referenced the need for booster shots.

He says, “Maintaining high immunization coverage in the population is essential for the effective prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The health unit will establish clinics at high schools for students grades 8 to grade 12 who have not had their shots.

Meanwhile, Toumishey also outlined the Nurse Family Partnership program that the health unit is looking at.

“It’s for high risk pre-natal families, for first time parents, where you have nurses going in and doing assessment, delivering this particular intervention.”

He added, “An evidence-based, international program that we’ve prioritized here because we want to deliver high-impact programs to our families.”