As medical officials aim to have 80 per cent of eligible youth aged 12 to 17 vaccinated with two doses before the start of school in September, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says it is pleased with the turnout so far at dedicated youth clinics
During Wednesday's Board of Health meeting, Andrea McLellan, the Health Unit's lead on COVID-19 vaccinations shared 51 per cent of eligible youth in the district in the 12-17 age group have received at least the first dose, as of Wednesday. Second dose clinics will begin the week of August 9.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico says the plan is to have as many school-bound eligible youth vaccinated with two doses by August 22 — giving a two-week buffer to allow for immunity to kick in before in-person learning would begin with the approval of the education and health ministries.
"The strategy is to have second doses into as many students as possible," by the beginning of school Chirico confirmed.
McLellan added, "From a younger student's perspective — the five to 11 age group — there is no vaccine yet approved for use at this point in time but there has been some conversation, there is research underway, and there is a sense there may be something coming in the fall, in the September/October timeframe for those younger children."
If you have a 12-17 year old who hasn't yet received their first dose, now is the time to book it! Appointments are available at upcoming clinics, as well as pharmacies. Visit our website for booking options: https://t.co/NgBQ7YdsmG #NorthBay #ParrySound #Nipissing #BackToSchool pic.twitter.com/t1xVZzpAhy
— North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (@NBPSDHealthUnit) June 23, 2021
