Chamber News

There is no waiting list for the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine(s).
Public Health is reaching out to identified populations to prepare them for upcoming vaccine clinics.  

Last week, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH)  announced that Phase 1 of the provincial COVID-19 vaccine rollout has begun in our region. However, all residents are asked to remain vigilant and continue practicing public health precautions as it will take several months for the vaccine to become available to the general population. The province has indicated that the COVID-19 vaccine will be rolled out in three key phases.

Phase One began in high risk areas of Ontario in late 2020 and began in HPEC mid January. As the goal of Phase 1 is to reduce the number of deaths from COVID-19, those who are most at risk, and those who work with high risk individuals, are being prioritized. At this time, the focus in HPEC is long term care home residents. As more vaccine becomes available, we anticipate that Phase 1 will also make vaccination available for hospital workers, First Nations communities, and chronic home care recipients.

Phase Two will begin when an increased stockpile of vaccines becomes available to Ontario. As vaccines are being prioritized for regions with highest rates of COVID-19, we expect Phase 2 will not begin in our region for some time. All residents are asked to remain patient as it is expected that vaccine will arrive in several shipments over the coming months, each with a limited supply. Until the majority of individuals, especially vulnerable individuals, have been vaccinated, we all must continue to do everything we can to protect one another from the spread of illness

Ontario will enter Phase Three when vaccines are available for every Ontarian who wishes to be immunized. We anticipate that this will not begin in our region until late summer, at the earliest.

For up to date information about the status of vaccines in HPEC, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines