The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is encouraging the13 per cent of eligible individuals in the region who have yet to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to seek information from reputable and trusted sources in making a decision about getting the vaccine.
"Information about the COVID-19 vaccines has come from many different sources, some valid and others not," the Health Unit states. "As more individuals turn to social media as their main source of information, misinformation is easily shared, and possibly, by individuals who believe the source to be valid."
The Health Unit advises vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay in receiving a vaccine. People who are vaccine-hesitant are not against vaccines; rather they want to make sure they make the best decision for themselves and their family members and may need more time or additional information.
“Individuals who are still unsure about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 to speak to their primary health care provider, a local pharmacist, or call the Health Unit to have your questions answered by professionals — without judgment — and by an individual who has your health top of mind,” encourages Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jim Chirico.
For more information, visit the Health Unit website, or other trustworthy sites such as SickKids, the Canadian Pediatric Society, Ontario Ministry of Health, Health Canada, Immunize BC, or the CDC.
“We are in the fourth wave of the pandemic. We have seen evidence that vaccines have reduced the severity of illness in breakthrough cases and helped prevent infections in others,” explains Dr. Chirico. “The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.”
According to health experts, the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines offered are both mRNA vaccines and it is important to remember that mRNA technology has been in development for years. The huge worldwide investment in research to produce an effective vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic allowed this existing technology to be put to practical use. The mRNA vaccines do not get into genetic material or our DNA, rather the vaccine teaches the cells how to make a piece of a protein that triggers an immune response. This helps the body’s immune system to recognize the COVID-19 virus and fight it, should it be exposed. The mRNA from the vaccine is quickly broken down in the body.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit myhealthunit.ca.
