The local Health Unit says "an upward trend in local COVID-19 outbreaks" has prompted it to start a campaign called "Walk-in Fridays" to offer vaccines to those unable to find a pharmacy offering flu shots and COVID vaccines.
"The new, limited-time (December) campaign comes in response to feedback from the public seeking additional opportunities to get vaccinated this season," says a release.
“The outbreak trends we are seeing in high-risk settings indicate there is a concerning level of COVID-19 spreading in our communities,” explains Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, medical officer of health. “Although the pandemic has come and gone, it continues to be important for people to stay home when they have symptoms or wear a mask if they must go out; to wash their hands often, use their arm to cover coughs and sneezes, sanitize high-touch surfaces and stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.”
Since September the Health Unit region has had seven confirmed outbreaks in high-risk settings, with six of them being COVID-19 related and 33 per cent occurring between Nov. 1-16.
Anyone who has not yet been able to get their vaccines is encouraged to do so before the new year.
“We saw excellent uptake at our 12 community clinics this fall, and we are grateful to have the ongoing support of a number of primary care providers and pharmacies who are immunizing to prevent severe illness in our communities,” says Marlene Campsall, manager of the Health Unit’s Vaccine Preventable Diseases program.
Walk-in Fridays will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 345 Oak St. W. on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. People in the Parry Sound area who cannot find a local pharmacy offering the flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact the Health Unit’s Parry Sound office at 705-746-5801 to schedule an appointment.
