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Sudbury health unit aiming to vaccinate 90% of residents

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Public Health Sudbury & Districts said Friday the path to returning to normal lies in getting as many people fully vaccinated as possible.

"Step 3 requires low case counts and immunization rates for Ontarians aged 12 and older of at least 80 per cent for one dose and 75 per cent for two doses," the health unit said in a news release. "No public health unit can have a two-dose rate lower than 70 per cent."

Currently, 79 per cent of residents in Public Health's coverage area has one dose of vaccine, and 60.9 per cent have two .

"In the wake of the more infectious Delta variant spreading in Ontario, Public Health is launching an area-wide challenge to go even further," the release said. "Public Health is aiming for a target of 90 per cent of those 12 and older to be fully vaccinated."

Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health, said in the release said it's time for everyone to step up and get the shot.

“Book now or show up at one of our convenient walk-in, pop-up, or mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Don’t delay,” Sutcliffe said.

“We are so fortunate that vaccine supply is no longer an issue. We are tracking to have enough vaccine to offer two doses to every eligible individual in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts by end of August. And if you have your two doses already — great news — you can still help by talking to family, friends, and neighbours about their motivation for vaccination.”

While local vaccination rates have reduced the number of new cases being reported, the virus still poses a threat. The Delta variant is the most common virus strain circulating in Ontario. It is more transmissible and causes more serious disease. The vaccine is also less effective against this variant, requiring two doses for a protective immune response.

“Because the Delta variant of the virus is more transmissible, vaccination rates need to be as high as possible," Sutcliffe said.

"High rates of vaccination mean that we will be less dependent on other measures to keep us safe, such as distancing, masking, and limits in our favourite stores, movie theatres, gyms, and restaurants."

Recent surges in cases in the Waterloo and Grey Bruce regions are reminders of how quickly things can change, she added. And residents who booked a second dose appointment earlier this year have to rebook a second shot, which are available much faster than originally scheduled.

"There is enough vaccine to mean that the 112-day wait for the second dose is no longer needed," the health unit said.

If you have received a first dose and are waiting for your second-dose appointment, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705-674-2299 (toll-free 1-800-708-2505) to book your shot. The original appointment will be cancelled.

Anyone 12 and over can also choose to attend a pop-up, walk-in, or mobile clinics with no appointment to receive their second dose at a minimum of 21 days after their first dose for Pfizer-BioNTech or minimum of 28 days for Moderna.

In addition, individuals can also visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacies or contact their primary care providers to see if they offer vaccination against COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date vaccination opportunities offered by Public Health in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. Near the end of the summer, the health will begin ramping down our mass immunization clinics.

By the numbers

• To date, 107 041 residents 12 and older in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

• 100 per cent of individuals aged 80 and over have received their first dose and 96.3 per cent have received their second dose.

• 92.3 per cent of individuals aged 60 to 79 have received their first dose and 83.0 per cent have received their second dose.

• 74.5 per cent of individuals aged 40 to 59 have received their first dose and 57.2 per cent have received their second dose.

• 60.6 per cent of individuals 18 to 39 have received their first dose and 39.6 per cent have received their second dose.

• 55.2 per cent of individuals aged 12 to 17 have received their first dose and 18.6 per cent have received their second dose. 

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