HPPH COVID-19 Update: Celebrating Thanksgiving; getting your vaccination receipt

Huron Perth, ON – As many people prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reminds residents to follow public health measures.  Social gatherings include factors that could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially where unvaccinated individuals attend.  These factors include prolonged close contact in indoor settings, and sharing meals where face coverings are removed in order to eat and drink.

“I thank everyone for doing their part over the past 18 months to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth.  “I know how much people want to get together with family and friends and I encourage everyone to follow gathering limits and public health measures to keep these special occasions as safe as possible.  If you are ill, even with mild symptoms, please stay home.”    

Under Step Three of the provincial Roadmap to Reopen, gatherings are permitted indoors with up to 25 people and outdoors with 100 people.  The fewer the number of people, the lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

The provincial government has released guidance for seasonal gatherings and other events.  Recommendations include: holding virtual gatherings or spending time outdoors, wearing a mask and physically distancing when not everyone is fully vaccinated, and washing hands frequently.  More detail can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/celebrate-safely-during-covid-19.

HPPH continues to see a steady number of COVID-19 cases, especially among those who are not vaccinated.  There have also been several outbreaks recently.  “We cannot let our guard down,” says Dr. Klassen.  “The Delta variant spreads quickly and easily, and will find those who are most susceptible.” 

COVID-19 vaccinations

The number of people fully vaccinated in Huron Perth is slowly rising.  As of October 4, almost 78% of residents aged 12 and older have had both doses.  Vaccination rates are lowest among 18 to 39 year olds. “I urge everyone eligible, who is not yet vaccinated, to do so as soon as possible,” says Dr. Klassen.  “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19, especially the Delta variant.”  There are several vaccination options in Huron and Perth.  Anyone turning 12 in 2021, and older, is eligible. 

Walk-ins are accepted at most clinics.  Appointments can be booked for some clinics, either online at www.hpph.ca/vaccinebooking or by calling 1-833-753-2098. 

Please visit the HPPH website, Facebook or Twitter for the latest information on clinics:

Primary care providers, and many local pharmacies, also offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations. The current list of pharmacies can be found at: https://covid19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.

Getting your vaccination receipt

HPPH is receiving many inquiries from people who want a copy of their vaccination receipt. People can download or print their vaccination receipt from the provincial portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.  If someone needs help getting a digital or printed paper copy of their vaccination receipt, they should call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Individuals who just need help to print their receipt can visit a public library or Centre for Employment in Huron Perth. 

If a person doesn’t have a health card or still needs assistance after calling the Provincial Contact Centre, they can call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133.  Please do not come to an HPPH office as our offices are closed to the public. 

 

For more information: