Vaccine interest remains high in Sudbury district
As COVID-19 restrictions ease across the province, there is still a push for people to get vaccinated with a focus on fourth doses.
Officials at Public Health Sudbury and Districts said Wednesday the vaccine is still one of the best protections against "The COVID-19 vaccine remains one of the best defences against COVID-19 virus and all of its variants,” said Nastassia McNair with the local health unit.
"So what a booster dose does is it restores protection that may have decreased over time. So it’s an added layer of protection like wearing your mask, maintaining physical distancing that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19."
As of April 7, even more people can book the latest booster including those 60 years and older, as well as those who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis and are 18 years or older.
"What we’ve been doing lately are (just) as many clinics, but a little bit smaller," said McNair, who said clinics are still being offered daily.
"For example, we were still at Southridge (Mall) today, but we are offering many small opportunities and we have a number of immunizers to allow for walk-in flow and to allow for booked appointments."
She said appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are definitely welcome.
Eligible individuals can book a fourth dose 140 days after their third booster, or with informed consent, can get it as early as 84 days after their last shot.
"So far we’re seeing really good uptake," McNair said.
"In the last few days since that April 7 announcement, we have had over 2,700 bookings. So that’s all bookings for all doses – first, second, third, fourth, pediatric, but a lot of them lately coming in are for that fourth dose. So lots of community interest."
McNair said of the 2,700 bookings, more than 1,500 have been for fourth doses in the district.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.