News Release: Layer Your Protection Against COVID-19

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is reminding the public to layer their protection against COVID-19.

“We are well into the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” states Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health for the Health Unit. “We should remain diligent and layer our protection, including wearing a well-fitted three-layer face covering in public indoor settings, staying home when you are ill, completing a self-assessment daily and staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines.”

Eligibility has expanded for those wishing to receive their fourth dose, or second booster dose, of the COVID-19 vaccine to include:

• People 60 years of age or older who received a third dose (first booster) 5 months (140 days) ago.
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members (18+) who received a third dose (first booster) 5 months (140 days) ago.

As previously announced, the following groups are still eligible for a fourth dose:

• Adults (18 years of age and older) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received a three-dose primary series, with the third dose at least three months (84 days) ago.
• Youth (12-17 year olds) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received a three-dose primary series, with the third dose at least six months (168 days) ago.
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and older adults living in other congregate settings.
• Adults age 18 and older who have proof of immunization AND have received three doses of any non-Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine at the appropriate interval.

“Receiving your fourth dose is a strong layer of protection to prevent serious illness against COVID-19,” explains Chirico. “Anyone who is not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to book an appointment or walk into any of our clinics.”

For more information on vaccine clinics, visit myhealthunit.ca/GetVaccinated. The Health Unit’s COVID-19 call centre is also available to book appointments Monday to Friday at 1-844-478-1400.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca