You’ve Got the Power: Get Vaccinated and Choose the Right Care

Joint release from Quinte Health, Southeast Public Health, Hastings-Quinte Paramedics and Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team.

BELLEVILLE— Respiratory illness season is here, and Quinte Health, Southeast Public Health, Hastings-Quinte Paramedics and Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families and the broader community. Staying up to date with vaccines and choosing the right level of care can make a significant difference, for you and for our local health-care system.

Protect yourself and others

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV, especially for those who are at high risk. The Southeast Public Health website shares information on who is eligible for vaccines and where they are available throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties. For individuals who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioners, Southeast Public Health offers RSV vaccines for eligible individuals, and COVID-19 and flu vaccines for eligible children aged six months to five years.  Receiving your vaccines for flu and COVID-19 at a local pharmacy is another convenient way to stay protected. Visit the Ministry of Health’s participating pharmacies web page for details.

Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines for those who may be homebound. This service is available only by referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Choosing the right care

The emergency department is where you need to go for any health emergency. For non-urgent care, consider alternative options.

Your first step for non-urgent care is to call your family doctor or nurse practitioner. If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, visit Health811 for health advice. The East Region Virtual Care Clinic is another convenient option for non-urgent care from the comfort of your home via computer or smartphone.

Local health organizations are hosting “COVID, cold, and flu clinics” this season for residents in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. This information is available on the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team website. Residents are encouraged to check this site regularly for updates.

If you’re unsure whether your health situation is an emergency, Quinte Health’s emergency department infographic – as well as Health811 – can help you decide what to do.

Simple acts go a long way

Beyond vaccines, simple actions such as cleaning high-touch areas, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you’re unwell can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. Together, by taking these steps, we are embracing the power to keep our communities safe and healthy this season.