EOHU PROVIDES UPDATE ON COVID-19 AND OTHER SEASONAL VACCINES

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has provided the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Health (DOH) with updates on the current state of COVID-19 in the Eastern Ontario region. MCA/DOH falls into the catchment area of the EOHU. The EOHU also provided updates on expected seasonal vaccine clinics.

 

• The percent of the population who has received a 3rd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is low.
• New Omicron variants continue to not be as severe.
• The COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccine may be co-administered (given at the same time) when the vaccines are rolled out.
• It is EOHU’s recommendation that children receive the flu vaccine first, then the COVID-19 vaccine.
• The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be available for long-term care setting in the fall; it will not be co-administered with the COVID-19 vaccine due to roll out times.
• Flu vaccines are expected by the end of September within the EOHU; CHP may receive the flu vaccine at a later time.

 

With seasonal flu and respiratory infection season looming, the Department of Health urges the community to continue to follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses and infections: wash and sanitize your hands frequently, isolate in your home if you’re exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms until your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you’ve had nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) and wear a mask in public settings if you’ve tested or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home.

 

The Community Health Program will be starting with School-Based Immunization Programs as part of their vaccine rollout for the Fall season, followed by community flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics. No date for school-based and community vaccine clinics have been announced yet; a community announcement will be made once the information becomes available.

 

Should you have any questions or require more information regarding COVID-19 or seasonal respiratory illness season, please contact the Community Health Program at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.