Huron Perth Public HealthHuron Perth Public Health
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HPPH, GBHU provides update on vaccination eligibility for the region

Huron Perth Public Health is now offering COVID-19 immunizations to individuals turning 12 in 2021. Individuals born in 2009 or earlier are welcome to attend any clinic, including walk-in clinics.

HPPH is not offering any third doses of COVID-19 vaccine through their clinics at this time, nor are they able to book appointments for a third dose at this time.

Local planning continues for contacting and arranging vaccinations for those eligible for a third dose, but no details have been finalized yet.

The province has announced those most vulnerable, including transplant recipients, patients with hematological cancers, and recipients of an anti-CD20 agent, are eligible for third doses.

“These vulnerable populations have been identified for a third dose because they have a decreased immune response after COVID-19 vaccines compared to the general population,” says Dr. Lauren Hayward, HPPH Physician Consultant. “A third dose for these groups will help to provide sufficient protection based on a suboptimal or waning immune response to vaccines and increased risk of COVID-19 infection. A third dose can help boost immunity in these groups, and keep them safe.”

For the second half of August, HPPH will continue to offer evening hours, walk-in opportunities, and pop-up locations throughout Huron and Perth Counties to make it easier for residents to get their first or second dose.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit have also updated their COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.

In a release, GBHU Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, says "to support a safe return to school and to ensure more children and youth benefit from the protection offered by the vaccine, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will provide the Pfizer vaccine to those born in 2009. The province has extended eligibility to all those born in 2009, no longer requiring waiting until their twelfth birthday. Vaccine should be top of the to-do list to get ready for back-to-school in September."

GBHU also states in the release that in order to provide easy access to vaccines, mobile and pop-up clinics will take place across Grey Bruce, including at all high schools, before the beginning of the school year. Clinics will be drive-in, walk-in, or bike-in and no appointment is needed.

For a complete list of clinics in Grey-Bruce, visit their clinic schedule here: https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/COVID19/Weekly_Vaccine_Schedule.pdf

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