Of approximately 108,000 adults over the age of 18 living in the Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit, the single-dose vaccination rate is at 48.49 per cent, as of Friday morning.
The Health Unit reports 52,654 residents with at least one dose administered overall, while 1.99 per cent or 2,163 residents have also received second doses.
The percentage of North Bay–Parry Sound residents who have received at least one dose, by age category (as of Friday morning):
- (80+) 88.93%
- (70-79) 83.51%
- (60-69) 75.69%
- (50-59) 42.16%
- (40-49) 27.95%
- (30-39) 21.42%
- (18-29) 15.97%
Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization Strategy gave an update during the Health Unit's weekly media availability, Thursday, and outlined the groups now eligible to receive first vaccinations.
For the first time, individuals born in 1981 or before; individuals with at-risk health conditions, such as dementia, diabetes and sickle cell disease; and, those who are classified as Group Two workers who cannot work from home, including grocery store, restaurant, and transportation workers are eligible to book appointments.
"The priority for immunization remains on dose one," advised McLellan. "The provincial goal is for 65 per cent of Ontarians to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by May 30th."
McLellan later reminded, "You must continue to follow public health measures — no matter if you are fully or partially immunized."
McLellan also touched on Ontario's pause in administering the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine due to a rare blood clotting condition. "At this time we are awaiting further direction from the Ministry of Health with respect to the second dose for those individuals who have already received," the first dose of AstraZeneca. The Health Unit will share further details as they are received.
See related: Stay-at-home order extended, remote learning continuing for schools
"We've had instances of some people trying to book their second vaccine appointments early and they end up cancelling their original second appointment. They are then unable to book a second appointment," said McLellan. "We are currently working through the process for second dose appointments with the Ministry. Please do not cancel your pre-scheduled appointment. We are working on how individuals who do not have a second appointment can book one and will share this information once it is confirmed."
If you are able to book online, the Health Unit encourages you to do so. For more on how to book a vaccination appointment, click here.
The Health Unit is now using a dedicated toll-free number for matters related to COVID-19: 1-844-478-1400 which can be used by those who need help booking vaccine appointments, have questions about restrictions, wish to report complaints or have school concerns related to COVID-19.
There are some appointment slots available at Friday's clinic at Memorial Gardens in North Bay.
Our #NorthBay COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is open 'til 7 p.m. tonight and we have space for you! See if you're eligible and use the online booking system. Scroll down in the system to select the May 14 Memorial Gardens Clinic, and we'll see you soon! Book now: https://t.co/NgBQ7YdsmG pic.twitter.com/4Q8TtsRx9D
— North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (@NBPSDHealthUnit) May 14, 2021
