Vaccine rollout update for PEI
Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has outlined next steps in Prince Edward Island’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“Thank you to all Islanders who have already been vaccinated and to the many others who have booked appointments. The response from Islanders who are keen to be immunized has been very positive,” said Dr. Morrison. “Each person getting immunized benefits the entire province. We are aiming to achieve herd protection by having 80% of our eligible population immunized with two doses of vaccine by the fall.”
As of Saturday, 27,448 doses of vaccine were administered in PEI. This week, a total of 7,200 doses will be administered in our Health PEI clinics, an average of 1,200 doses per day over the six day schedule.
This week, those who are age 60 to 64 are booking immunization appointments, based on their birthdate. Beginning today, those who provide public and private health care services in the community including clinicians (optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc.) and support staff, can book their appointments. Beginning Friday, April 9, those who are age 40 to 59 with underlying medical conditions and any of their household members can book their vaccine appointment.
Next week, people between the ages of 55 and 59 can book their appointments by birthdate:
- Beginning Monday, April 12 - those born between January and April;
- Beginning Tuesday, April 13 - those born between May and August; and
- Beginning Wednesday, April 14 – those born between September and December.
Beginning Monday, April 12, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be available in 12 partner pharmacies optionally for anyone over the age of 55. Individuals can contact these pharmacies directly to book.
On Thursday, April 15, vaccine bookings will open to those who are age 18 to 39 with underlying medical conditions and any of their household members, front line workers age 40 to 59 who interact with the public and cannot work virtually (teachers, early childhood educators, school staff including bus drivers, public transit drivers, telecommunications, food manufacturing and processing), and non-front line health care workers needed to maintain health care system capacity can book their appointments.
Vaccination appointments can be booked using our online booking system or by calling 1-844-975-3303
More information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout can be found on the provincial website.
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 eight active cases of COVID-19 and has had 160 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic. 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