.png;w=960)
COVID-19 vaccines are working.
That's the message from officials at the North Bay Parry Sound District, and they are backing it up with Public Health Ontario data showing COVID-19 “vaccine effectiveness ranges from 70 to 90 per cent three to four weeks after the first dose in preventing severe disease, COVID-19 related hospitalizations, and deaths.”
The Health Unit notes since June 1, less than 4 per cent of local fully immunized individuals who contracted COVID-19 were hospitalized and less than 1 per cent were in ICU.
Since the start of November, the Health Unit has declared two COVID-19 outbreaks, both in locations where individuals are at a greater risk of a negative outcome from contracting COVID-19.
“Although the outbreaks are not over, we can say at this time there have been no severe illnesses among individuals who tested positive for COVID-19,” advises Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “I largely attribute the mild symptoms of COVID-19 to vaccinations. I am not certain that if we had a similar outbreak last year that the outcome would have been as favourable. Our staff continues with case and contact management to ensure that people are doing well and continue to monitor symptoms.”
Public Health Ontario research indicates older adults are more at risk given a natural waning immunity and a slight difference in vaccine effectiveness compared to younger age groups.
“It is important that people who are eligible for their third dose be vaccinated,” explains Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization Strategy. “Individuals 70 years of age or older and anyone else who is eligible may see a decrease in vaccine effectiveness over time. By getting your third dose, you help to boost your immunity and better protect yourself from a COVID-19 infection.”
Individuals 70 and older must wait at least 168 days since their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to be eligible for their third dose. The Health Unit has opened COVID-19 vaccine clinics into December and eligible individuals are encouraged to book into them at Ontario.ca/BookVaccine or by calling the Health Unit at 1-844-478-1400.
COVID-19 outbreak updates can be found on the Health Unit’s COVID-19 Status Report, Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. at myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
