More people in the region are rolling up their sleeves.
The Northwestern Health Unit catchment area has hit another COVID-19 vaccination milestone
“Our vaccination rates have increased over the past week, specifically for first doses. Over 120 thousand doses have now been given across the region and we’re now equal to Ontario with our first dose coverage rate of 85.4 percent,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon.
When it comes to cases of the virus, Dr. Kit Young Hoon tells us what they’re seeing.
“Of all our cases in the region since August 1, the unvaccinated were infected six times more often than fully vaccinated. This rate is similar to the provincial rate. In addition, provincially, unvaccinated people are 24 times more likely to be hospitalized (with COVID-19) and 43 times more likely to be in the ICU.”
The health unit is continuing vaccination efforts across the region with walk in clinics and appointments.
“We have noted that vaccination rates are lower at lower age groups,” explains Dr. Young Hoon. “The 12-40 age group still has a relatively lower vaccination rate so we are targeting more vaccine clinics to that group to make it more convenient for them in the hope that they’ll get vaccinated. So for example school clinics would be a key one. That includes not just students but also family members and trying to make the vaccine more accessible.”
Dr. Young Hoon continues, “I’m hopeful that people are beginning to recognize that the vaccine is considered safe, that millions of people have been vaccinated with these vaccines and that there’s a strong understanding of the risks and benefits associated with these vaccines. Overall these vaccines are generally recommended for most individuals. I’m hoping most people have had time to have that individual level conversation with a trusted health care professional who can go over the risks and benefits with them, so they can better understand how this might apply to their own individual situation.”
As of time of publishing, 77.5 percent of the region’s eligible population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, just below Ontario’s two dose coverage rate of 79.6 percent.
