News
EOHU Urges Public to Get COVID-19 Booster Dose
2022-04-04
As public health restrictions are lifted and COVID-19 transmission in the community creeps up, the Eastern Ontario Heath Unit (EOHU) is urging all eligible individuals to receive their COVID-19 booster dose as soon as possible.
“I highly encourage anyone over 12 years of age who has received their first two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine series to book an appointment as soon as they’re eligible for their third dose,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “There is strong evidence that individuals who have received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are better protected against the Omicron variant and subvariant for a longer period of time than individuals who have only received two doses.”
In addition to reducing your odds of getting infected, the third dose also protects you from severe illness if you do get infected. “The third dose will also help maintain our healthcare system and avoid having to once again implement restrictions in the future,” adds Dr. Roumeliotis.
Appointments are available through the provincial vaccine booking system at www.Ontario.ca/bookvaccine and through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1 833 943-3900. Individuals who need assistance or special accommodations can call the EOHU at 1 800 267-7120. Booster doses are also available through partnering pharmacies, or through your health care provider.
Masking still recommended
While masking is no longer mandated in most public settings, the EOHU is still strongly recommending that members of the public wear a mask, especially when they find themselves in situations where the risk of transmission is higher, such as crowded indoor and poorly ventilated places, or when in close contact with unvaccinated or ill people.
“Aside from getting your booster dose, the next measure you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones is to continue wearing a mask,” says Dr. Roumeliotis. “I understand people are tired of wearing them, but masks can help us lower the level of infections in the community as we increase the number of interactions we have.”
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to prevent COVID-19 infections, please visit www.EOHU.ca.
