The Northwestern Health Unit is on track for a two-dose summer when it comes to administering COVID-19 vaccines to area residents.
“Over 96 thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in our region,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon. “We’re still seeing people who need first and second doses attend our clinics, which is great. To date, nearly 77 per cent of people aged 18 and older have received their first dose, and 60 percent of adults in our region are fully vaccinated.”
While vaccine coverage rates continue to rise, the region’s top doctor still wants to see them higher.
“I think it (our first dose vaccination coverage rate) would be better if it was above 80 per cent, even approaching 90 per cent would be ideal,’ explains Dr. Young Hoon. “At this point, we are encouraging individuals to discuss why they’ve chosen to get vaccinated with their friends and family and encourage them to get vaccinated.”
Mass vaccination clinics are expected to wrap up soon. The health unit will still offer ways of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, but you may have to wait longer for an appointment.
“We will provide shots via appointments and pop-up clinics. However, it may be a number of weeks due to the nature of how vaccines are used. There are 14 doses in a vial of Moderna. We can not open a vial for just one or two people and must wait until enough people are willing to get vaccinated to justify opening up a vial.”
The health unit is also actively seeking ways to make the vaccine more accessible for those not able to attend clinics and address any barriers in the communities they serve.
To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, you can go to the Northwestern Health Unit booking web page or phone 1-866-468-2240.
Walk-in dates and other clinic information are updated daily on the health unit’s website and social media.
Reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here.
