COVID-19 vaccine rollout update
Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced that an increase in doses of COVID-19 vaccines will arrive between now and mid-April, allowing more Islanders the opportunity to get their first dose.
This phase of the vaccine rollout includes adults over the age of 75, and individuals 18-29 years of age who work in the food and beverage industry.
Starting Thursday, March 11, Islanders 75 years of age or older can book an appointment as per the following schedule:
- Beginning Thursday, March 11: individuals born in the months of January – April
- Beginning Monday, March 15: individuals born in the months of May – August
- Beginning Thursday, March 18: individuals born in the months of September – December
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-844-975-3303 seven days a week between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, or online at www.PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/GetTheVaccine.
Beginning March 11, 2021, Islanders 18 to 29 years of age, who have a PEI health card and who work in the food and beverage or food delivery industry, can book an appointment to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at one of six pharmacies across the province. Information on how to schedule an appointment will be available at www.PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/GetTheVaccine.
One designated partner in care for each long-term care and community care resident in PEI, border screening staff, first responders, rotational workers, truck drivers and more health care workers will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment so they are not required to call the line.
As of Sunday, March 7, 14,189 doses of the vaccine were administered, including 5,514 second doses. Dr. Morrison says over 80% of the eligible population in PEI, over the age of 16, will be able to get one dose of vaccine by the end of June.
Islanders are urged to get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even after a previous negative test, and to self-isolate until the results come back. Islanders are also encouraged to download the free national COVID Alert app, which will let them know if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Prince Edward Island currently has 28 active cases of COVID-19 and has had 143 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic. Over 175 Islanders are now in self-isolation as close contacts of a positive case of COVID-19.
Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.
Backgrounder:
The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to monitor the pandemic situation and prepare for all COVID-19 related impacts to the province, including health, social and economic. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.
Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
- Stay home if you are not feeling well
- Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Keep your circle of contacts small
- Wear a mask in closed, indoor public spaces
- Physical distance - stay two meters (6 feet) apart
- Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
- Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
- Visit a drop-in-clinic to be tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
shughes@gov.pe.ca