By Haldimand Press Staff
HALDIMAND—Following more than a month of supply shortages for the Pfizer vaccine, Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) has announced that, due to an increased supply of the vaccine being provided by the Ontario government, local vaccine clinics will once again be offering both Pfizer and Moderna options to eligible community members.
In December, the Ministry of Health issued a requirement that the Pfizer vaccine be offered solely to those aged 12 to 29, in response to supply concerns across Ontario. During the shortage, Moderna continued to be offered at all clinics and continues to be an “excellent choice as a first, second, or booster dose of the mRNA vaccine,” said HNHU. With increased supply, the age restriction for Pfizer has now been eliminated, and Pfizer products are accessible to all eligible. HNHU is also reporting an abundant supply of the pediatric formulation of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old.
With this increased supply, HNHU is now increasing appointment availability at upcoming clinics starting this week, including local appointments at the Riverside Exhibition Centre in Caledonia and Lifespan Centre in Dunnville.
Children aged 5 to 11 can receive a pediatric dose of Pfizer at specified clinics throughout February. Appointment times can be found and booked at hnhu.org/popup.
Haldimand Norfolk’s vaccination rate continues its glacial climb upward, with HNHU reporting 195,392 doses administered, with 77.5% of the 5+ population now fully vaccinated and 81.4% having received at least one dose.
“Being fully vaccinated and receiving a booster dose continues to be the most effective way to protect yourself from severe COVID-19 infection, including the Omicron variant. A completed series reduces the likelihood of severe outcomes. A booster will further improve the likelihood of less severe outcomes,” said a press release from HNHU.
They also reminded anyone who has recently had COVID-19 that they are still eligible for a first, second, or booster dose of vaccine. Residents should wait until they are out of isolation and symptoms have resolved to receive their next dose.
Currently, the 5 to 11-year-old population in HNHU is 38.3% vaccinated with at least one dose, up 1% from last week. Following requests from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, HNHU will be offering school-based vaccine clinics.
Upcoming GO-VAXX indoor clinics are planned for Fridays throughout February at the Dunnville Lifespan Centre; appointments are available through HNHU’s booking tool.
Another clinic will also be hosted at Hagersville Secondary School on Sunday, February 6 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
