By Cecilia Nasmith
Anyone aged five and older who needs a first, second or booster shot for COVID-19 can now get it on a walk-in basis at any of the mass-immunization clinics operated by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
The announcement was made by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking at this week's media scrum, followed by a press release from the health unit.
This means walk-in times are now established from 1 to 4:30 p.m. At clinics in Cobourg, Colborne, Brighton and Campbellford, as well as those in Lindsay, Minden and Fenelon Falls. Appointments continue to be available through the provincial booking site as well.
This decision comes a week after the health unit announced that walk-in slots would be available to anyone aged 50 and older and to immunocompromised individuals.
It comes at a time when appointments are slowing down in order to ensure maximum accessibility to the opportunity for a vaccination – mirroring a situation that happened last summer.
“This is a natural progression to make COVID-19 vaccines more available and accessible,” Dr. Bocking said in the press release.
“We know vaccines, especially booster doses, provide excellent protection against COVID-19 and reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. That is why we encourage anyone still waiting for a dose to walk in, or make an appointment, to get their shot.”
