The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is impressed with the vaccination increases in the region recently.
"As anticipated with the return to school and the announcement of Ontario's vaccine certificate program, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reporting an increase in COVID-19 vaccination uptakes, particularly among those aged 29 and younger," the Health Unit reported in a Thursday morning release.
In fact, in the last seven days, the Health Unit reports that there has been a 128 per cent increase in first doses compared to the week prior and there has been a 293 per cent increase compared to the same week in August.
"Over the past two weeks we have seen a new wave of uptake in first dose vaccinations," said Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health.
"Last week over 900 people received their first dose, the highest number recorded since the middle of July."
The Health Unit has seen rates exceeding 90 per cent in individuals aged 60 years and older who are fully vaccinated.
“I want to highlight this milestone and celebrate these groups of individuals who have gone above and beyond to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” acknowledges Dr. Chirico.
“I continue to encourage every individual eligible to receive their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to do so. With the fourth wave of COVID-19 upon us and the increase in cases locally, vaccination remains a safe and effective defence against the virus.”
Currently, 82 per cent of individuals 12 years of age or older in the district have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 75 per cent have received both doses.
The Health Unit says there is still some more work that needs to be done.
In order to help address the rising concerns relating to the Delta Variant, Health Unit officials say the Ministry of Health has revised its immunization targets to 90 per cent of all individuals both their first and second dose of vaccine.
"In order for us to achieve this goal, an additional 9,120 individuals need to roll up their sleeve to get their first dose and 16,952 individuals need to receive a second dose," explained Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization Strategy.
"I believe we can do this."
The Health Unit continues to offer vaccination against COVID-19 through scheduled clinics and its newest Mobile Vaccination Clinic bus initiative.
Workplaces, community organizations, places of worship and other groups may also request a COVID-19 vaccine clinic through our Mobile Clinic Request Form on our website.
For more information, visit www.myhealthunit.ca.
