Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation a problem for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
Battling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and misinformation has been a major problem for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit since mass immunization began.
In an attempt to reach everyone who is not vaccinated in the health unit's district, staff are beginning to shift gears from mass vaccination clinics to walk-in clinics.
The health unit is in week two of these walk-in opportunities and held another walk-in clinic Thursday afternoon at Memorial Gardens.
"In response to a drop in vaccine bookings at our clinics, we are refocusing our efforts to a more targeted approach," said Andrea McLellan, the health unit's director of COVID-19 immunization strategy.
This targeted approach is meant for individuals who face barriers to get the vaccine and for those facing vaccine hesitancy.
"Our walk-ins have been quite successful," said McLellan. "At our Memorial Gardens clinics, roughly 150 people per clinic have been able to walk in and receive their vaccine.”
Despite the efforts, about 24 per cent of the population in the health unit district are unvaccinated. While a large portion of that population are young adults waiting for their dose, it also includes people who choose not to get the shot, or who have been hoodwinked by false information.
"These vaccines are so effective against serious illness and hospitalization and death," said Dr. Jim Chirico, the health unit's medical officer of health. "When making decisions and looking for information, go to credible sites from trusted organizations. That is the best way to get information you need."
More than 76 per cent of people 12 years of age and older have their first dose of the vaccine while 62 per cent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.
In response to a drop in booked appointments, the health unit has cancelled the following clinics:
- July 26 at Memorial Gardens in North Bay
- July 27 at Memorial Gardens in North Bay
- July 27 at Bobby Orr Community Centre in Parry Sound
In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for July 23 at the West Nipissing Community Centre will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rather than 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as originally scheduled. Walk-ins will be accepted from 10 a.m. to noon.
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.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
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.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
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.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
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.
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.