Local youth are helping push our vaccination rates higher but some people seem to be playing a waiting game when it comes to their second.
Earlier this week the province updated its rules for the Pfizer vaccine, giving it the green light for use in youth who may be aged 11 now but will turn 12 before the end of the year.
"And we have seen an immediate positive turnout," said Deputy Police Chief Shirley Hilton who also is in charge of the region's COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. "Between Tuesday and early-afternoon yesterday (Thursday), approximately 225 11-year-olds received their first vaccine. Well done."
In addition to expanding eligibility, the province has also announced those most vulnerable to the virus can now receive a booster shot.
"The vaccine team is already working on plans to support this third vaccination through outreach with long-term care and retirement homes to determine a combined process that supports the home, the staff, and its residents," said Hilton.
Hilton says the task force is also working with the Grand River Hospital's Regional Cancer Program on support for patients who may be eligible for a third dose.
"Work is ongoing with healthcare providers, specialists who are engaged in this roll-out, to provide clients appropriate health counselling and to ensure optimal scheduling of vaccine administration as it relates to current treatments or therapies," she said.
The region, however, says there is still an issue with people who have already had a first shot but are seemingly holding off on getting their second, estimating there are about 28,000 local residents who are due to be double dosed.
"I think, honestly, it's a matter of convenience right now," Hilton said. "Some people might be away, some people might be vacationing, holding out that they might have an appointment and they'll just stick with that appointment.
Despite that, she says the region is urging people not to wait but to walk in to the closest clinic or pharmacy offering shots as soon as possible.
"We continue to encourage or instill a sense of urgency," said Hilton. "We can't take our foot off the gas pedal."
"This is 'the last mile' as we keep calling it and we really need people to look at it as the last mile," she said. "It's the hardest mile if you think about it as a marathon, it's always the hardest to get to that finish line, and we're not there yet."
Hilton says the region should have more to say about its 'Vax-to-School' campaign next week which is where it says it will look to run clinics at local shopping malls so people back-to-school shopping can easily get vaccinated at the same time if they haven't been already or are among those due for a second shot.
Local youth help boost COVID-19 vaccination rate - KitchenerToday.com
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