Photo by Braño on Unsplash

Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is holding summer clinics aimed at supporting residents in getting up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

"Getting and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is your best defence against infection and severe outcomes from the virus," said a July 6 media release from GBHU.

“Public Health strongly recommends that all eligible residents get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines to ensure they have the best available protection against severe illness and death and to help maintain the progress that’s been made in combatting COVID-19,” said Grey Bruce Health Unit Physician Consultant Dr Rim Zayed.

“This summer is the ideal time to get up to date as early indications and data suggest another wave of cases is possible this fall," Zayed added.

Vaccine clinics will be held in various communities this summer. In addition, Public Health is partnering with GO-VAXX to provide supplementary clinics this summer and fall in parts of Grey and Bruce with lower vaccine uptake.

A full list of vaccine clinics is available at publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/COVID19/Weekly_Vaccine_Schedule.pdf and will be updated as more clinics are added.

COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, are also available at many local pharmacies as well as through primary care providers.

For individuals aged 12 to 59, getting up to date means receiving a primary vaccine series and booster dose. A second booster is recommended for individuals aged 60 and up; Indigenous adults and their non-Indigenous adult household members; and residents of long-term care homes and other congregate care settings.

Due to the recommended intervals between doses, thousands of Grey Bruce residents aged 60 and up will become eligible in July and August to receive their second booster. More information on vaccine recommendations, including for children aged five to 11, and intervals is available at covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine.