As the colder months bring increased spread of respiratory illnesses, including influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is reminding residents to be vigilant and stay up to date with vaccinations.
“The holiday season is typically when we see higher rates of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and CEO for the HKPR District Health Unit. “It’s important that we continue to protect one another by using the public health precautions we are all familiar with. In doing so we are providing our best defence against getting sick, reducing the spread of illness, and we are ensuring that critical health care services are there for those who need them most.”
COVID-19 and flu shots are easily accessible through participating pharmacies, primary care teams, and the HKPR District Health Unit. Individuals can book appointments by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll-free) from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or book online by visiting ontario.ca/book-vaccine.
To combat the spread of respiratory illnesses, including RSV, the HKPR District Health Unit emphasizes the significance of understanding RSV and taking preventive measures, particularly for older seniors and young infants. Notably, Ontario has launched its first publicly funded RSV vaccine program for adults aged 60 and older living in specific care facilities, covering the full cost of the vaccine to ensure enhanced protection.
How to Reduce Risk of Transmission this Holiday Season
- Stay up to date with your immunizations: COVID-19, flu, and RSV if you are eligible.
- Skip the holiday party if you’re not feeling well, stay home when you are sick.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and when recovering from illness. If you are recovering from illness, wear a mask for ten days after your symptoms started.
- Wash your hands often, and clean high touch surfaces frequently. If you host or attend a holiday gathering, clean high touch surfaces, and encourage guests to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
- Protect our health care services. Doing what you can to limit the spread of illness will help ensure our health care workers are available for those who need them most.
Furthermore, Ontario offers convenient access to antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid through physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists, with virtual care options available through Health811. Rapid antigen tests are accessible through local public health units, pharmacies, and healthcare providers.
"Amidst the season's festivities, let's boost our defenses against respiratory viruses. Vaccination, coupled with layered safeguards like mask-wearing, and hand hygiene ensures a season of warmth and safety for our families and communities,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, with the HKPR District Health Unit.
How to Book an Appointment
Appointments can be booked through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre online or by calling 1-833-943-3900 or
1-855-797-0007 for those who are deaf, hearing or speech impaired.
You can also access COVID-19 vaccine doses through your health care provider and select pharmacies. Find a full list of pharmacies here.
More Information
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and clinic availability please visit our Immunization Clinics webpage or call us at 1-888-866-4577.
View the HKPR District Health Unit’s Respiratory Infection Dashboard.