COVID vaccinations focus only on youth 12 and under in January

Huron Perth, ON – In January 2024, Huron Perth Public Health will focus on providing COVID vaccinations only for youth aged 12 and under.

“We’ve been proud to work with pharmacists and local healthcare providers this fall in ensuring residents of Huron-Perth had access to COVID-19 vaccinations,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “While pharmacists and participating healthcare providers will continue to provide COVID-19 XBB vaccinations in the community, HPPH will focus on ensuring access to youth aged 12 and under.”

Still time to receive COVID vaccinations from HPPH in December

HPPH still has some availability in their all-ages December clinics. Please visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated to see remaining opportunities.

“The holiday season has begun,” says Dr. Klassen. “Please protect yourselves and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible. Note that at this time in Ontario, only residents of long-term care homes and some retirement homes are eligible for RSV vaccine. It’s not too late to get your vaccines to protect your families and communities and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.”

Enjoy the holiday season safely

According to the HPPH Respiratory Activity 2023-2024 dashboard, there were 51 cases of COVID-19 reported and four cases of influenza reported in the last week of November. In addition, there were 12 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and one hospitalization due to flu. Sadly, since the start of the respiratory season, seven residents of Huron and Perth have died due to COVID-19.

Residents can reduce their risk and their loved ones’ risk by staying up to date on vaccines and using layers of protection:

• Wearing a tight-fitted, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings for anyone at highest risk of severe infection and when in health-care settings/places with mask policies.
• Staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask until day 10 from symptom onset
• Washing hands often
• Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces
• Optimizing indoor air quality
• If you are at high-risk, speaking with your health care provider about antiviral treatment options in case you get sick

For more information:

• Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133
• Visit www.hpph.ca