Skip to content

Vaccine distribution on target in the region

'Our coverage rate by April 30 was 40.8 per cent'
20210506 health unit meeting
Thursday's online North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit media conference. Screen capture/BayToday

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says it is pleased with the vaccination rollout in the area.  

 Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization Strategy with the Health Unit stated that as of Thursday morning they have provided 46,775 vaccinations within the district with 2,705 of those being distributed out of pharmacies within the district. 

"I am very pleased to confirm that we met the provincial target of having 40 per cent of the 18 and older population in our district receive at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by April 30," said McLellan during the media conference.

"Our coverage rate by April 30 was 40.8 per cent."

Those numbers will continue to rise as early Thursday morning those born before 1971 along with various essential workers are now eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.   

McLellan suggests for those currently eligible, they should use the online format to book the vaccination appointment.  

"I strongly encourage those who can book online appointments to do so," she stated.  

"This will allow us to keep our phone lines open for those who have questions and those who are unable to book online themselves."

McLellan says they are currently working through developing a process for second-dose clinics and appointments.   

She notes that the Ministry is doing the same online for second appointments. 

"At this time we ask you not to try to change your pre-scheduled second appointment," she said.   

While younger age groups are now getting vaccinated in the region, don't expect teenagers to qualify for a shot here yet.  

"At this time it has been approved by Health Canada but we have not received any direction from the Ministry of Health at this point and time with respect for the plans immunizing children 12 to 16 years of age and we do not have a medical directive in place for that at this point and time so there are a few steps that need to happen before we will be able to move in that direction," she said. 

To book a vaccination or find out if you are eligible click on the Ministry of Health vaccination site HERE. 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
Read more

Reader Feedback