Point Edward, ON – The Province of Ontario has announced the expansion of eligibility for COVID-19 booster vaccines as well as updates to public health guidance regarding COVID-19 case management.
Starting Thursday, Sept. 1, children aged 5 to 11 years old will be eligible to receive a 1st booster dose (3rd total dose) of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals aged 5 to 11are recommended to receive this booster at an interval of 168 days (6 months) after receiving their primary series of Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
Beginning at 8:00am on Thursday, Sept. 1, appointments can be booked online through Lambton Public Health (LPH) at GetTheVaccine.ca. If you require assistance with booking, please contact us at 226-254-8222. Call Centre Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm.
While children 5 to 11 years old can book an appointment at any public health clinic, LPH has added a clinic specifically for this age group on Friday, Sept. 2 before school starts and, on the Friday, Sept. 16 PD Day.
Clinics will continue to be held at the LPH Main Office and the Wyoming Fairgrounds, with additional clinics to be added at the Point Edward Optimist Hall and the Shores Recreation Centre in Forest.
Other COVID-19 vaccination options include participating pharmacies and select primary care providers for all eligible individuals.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, Dr. Kieran Moore, encourages parents and caregivers to speak with their health care provider regarding any questions they may have about the expanded eligibility.
The province has also adjusted its recommendations for those who have contracted COVID-19 or have been a close contact of someone who has. Some of these updates include:
- If you are in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, continue to self- monitor for symptoms. There is no longer a need to isolate but you should wear a mask for 10 days when in public areas, and avoid high risk settings such as long-term care homes
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or runny nose, stay home until your fever is gone and symptoms are improving, get a rapid antigen test or, if eligible, a PCR test. A mask should be worn for a total of 10 days after start of illness when in a public setting and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk individuals and settings.
More information on COVID-19 is available via the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Lambton Public Health reminds you that masks are still required in clinical settings. If you can, please continue to mask where required. Please remain home if you are sick and rebook your appointment for a later date. Additional information regarding vaccine eligibility can be found on our website. Vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes and reduce the strain on our healthcare system.
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