Ottawa Valley residents can now access COVID boosters

Ottawa Valley residents who still need a COVID-19 vaccination can now book appointments through the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU).

Following the lead of other regional health units, the RCDHU started booster clinics this week and will continue until all residents requesting booster vaccinations have been vaccinated.

The RCDHU has divided the vaccination clinics into specific target groups based on their medical needs and history. Those immediately eligible to attend any of the clinics include:

• People over 70
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, aged care homes, and those living in other residential communities that provide assisted living and healthcare services
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis people and their non-Indigenous household members 18 years and older
• Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals 12 years and older
• Pregnant women over the age of 18
• Healthcare workers aged 18 and over

Remaining Valley residents ages 18 and older can also begin booking bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster appointments and attend clinics beginning the week of September 26.

From September 26, local pharmacies will also be offering vaccinations at their respective locations. Pharmacies are making the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster available if a person prefers an injection in these locations.

However, it is recommended to call the pharmacy in advance as vaccine supplies vary and appointments may be required.

Anyone who has recently had a COVID-19 infection should wait 90 days from the date of symptom onset or the date they tested positive for COVID-19 before taking their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine Booster (and only if six months have passed since receipt). their previous dose).

There is good news for parents of younger children who have been anxious to get their children shots. Anyone six months and older is now eligible for a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that all people, including children six months and older, wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between the first and second dose.

It is recommended that all members of the general population from the age of six months receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious diseases like COVID-19. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) currently recommends that children ages five and older can receive COVID-19 vaccines and non-COVID-19 vaccines, including the influenza vaccine, at the same time.

dr Robert Cushman, acting health officer for the RCDHU, said it was important to remain vigilant even though it appeared the worst of the pandemic was over.

“Even if you have been vaccinated, it is important to continue to follow public health measures to keep the community safe,” he said. “Stay at home if you are sick, avoid contact with sick people, practice physical distancing (two metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained and wash your hands. “

He added that it is important to complete a daily COVID-19 self-assessment or the School and Childcare COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool before going to work, school or daycare to check for symptoms and get the right guidance.

Since the pandemic began in February 2020, the RCDHU has registered 5,834 cases, of which 5,674 have been resolved. A total of 63 deaths were registered as a result of COVID-19.

The number of cases reported in the last week is 63, four of which required hospitalization. Fortunately, none of the recent cases have been transferred to an intensive care unit.

Those wishing to book an appointment online through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Center or by calling 1-833-943-3900.