Ottawa Valley residents who still need a COVID-19 vaccine booster can now make an appointment through the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU). Following the example of other regional health units, the RCDHU started the booster clinics this week and will continue until all residents of the district requesting a booster have been vaccinated. The RCDHU has organized the vaccination clinics into specific target groups based on their medical needs and background. Those immediately eligible to attend one of the clinics include:
People 70 and over Residents of long-term care homes, nursing homes, nursing homes, and people living in other complexes that provide assisted living and health services First Nation, Inuit and Métis people and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over Moderately to severely immunocompromised persons aged 12 years and older Pregnant people aged 18 and over Healthcare workers aged 18 and over
The rest of the Valley’s residents, aged 18 and over, will also be able to start booking bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccination appointments and will be able to attend clinics starting the week of September 26.
Beginning September 26, local pharmacies will also offer vaccinations at their specific locations. Pharmacies will provide the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster if a person prefers to inject at these sites. However, it is recommended that you call the pharmacy ahead of time, as vaccine supply varies and appointments may be required. Anyone who has recently experienced a COVID-19 infection should wait 90 days after the date symptoms began or the date they tested positive for COVID-19 before receiving the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster (and only if they have already six months after taking their previous dose). There is good news for parents of younger children who have been looking forward to getting their children vaccinated. Anyone six months of age and older is now eligible to receive a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that all people, including children six months of age and older, wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between the first and second doses. It is recommended that all residents of the general population six months of age and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) currently recommends that children five years of age and older can receive both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, including the flu vaccine. Dr. Robert Cushman, RCDHU’s acting chief medical officer of health, said that while it may seem like the worst of the pandemic is over, it’s important to remain vigilant. “Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s important to continue to follow public health measures to keep the community safe,” he said. “Stay home if you are sick, avoid contact with people who are sick, practice physical distancing (two meters), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing is not possible and wash your hands.” She added that it’s important to complete a COVID-19 Self-Assessment or the School and Childcare Self-Assessment COVID-19 Tool every day before going to work, school or daycare, for monitoring for symptoms and proper guidance. Since the start of the pandemic in February 2020, the RCDHU has recorded 5,834 cases with 5,674 of these cases resolved. In total, 63 deaths have been recorded as a result of COVID-19. The number of cases reported in the last week is 63, with four of them requiring hospitalisation, luckily none of the recent cases have been taken to intensive care. Those wishing to make an appointment online through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Center or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
