85 year old Eunice Fiddler was the first recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine in Sioux Lookout. File Photo provided by Sioux Lookout William A George Extended Care Unit.
The Northwestern Health Unit is making progress on administering COVID-19 booster shots.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says they are following the recommendations of the province.
“Individuals who are immuno-compromised is one group,” explains Dr. Young Hoon. “They have also recommended third doses for long-term care home and elder care lodge residents, as well as residents of other types of senior living, congregate settings.”
Dr. Young Hoon says those who are immuno-compromised and those who are living in long-term and elder care homes have already started to receive their third dose.
“The recent change has been those who are living in seniors congregate settings, that’s more recent and that one is still in planning.”
She adds those with specific medical conditions also qualify and to get your third dose you are asked to speak with your health care provider.
Meanwhile, the region’s top doctor says people are also still coming forward for first and second doses.
“We are hopeful that we can reach 85 per cent or even 90 per cent eventually for being fully vaccinated, especially with a number of vaccine policies coming forward I think some individuals are relooking at having that conversation with their health care provider and reassessing the risk.”
Once the 5-11 age group becomes eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Young Hoon says they will be able to make more coverage.
To date, 88 per cent of those eligible, 12 years of age and older, in the region have one dose while 81.6 per cent have two doses.
