York Region Public Health recommends vaccination, particularly among vulnerable populations as eligibility expands Oct. 30.
The province has opened up eligibility for new COVID-19 and flu vaccines to all Ontarians older than six months this week, with York Region offering clinics locally, including in Newmarket.
Vaccinations are also available at pharmacies and are going directly to those in long-term care and retirement homes.
York Region associate medical officer of health Dr. Sarah Erdman said public health wants to emphasize the risk of COVID-19 and improve the uptake of vaccinations, particularly for those in higher-risk populations such as seniors.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot of complacency, which is OK. We definitely see a lot more protection among the general (public),” she said, adding COVID-19 exposure and vaccinations have built up protection in the public.
“We just want to remind people there are people who have not been exposed to COVID-19 yet, especially older adults."
York Region COVID-19 vaccination levels have continued to decline with subsequent boosters. While 83.1 per cent of York Region got at least the first two doses of the vaccine, only 53.9 per cent got at least a third booster dose, and only 23.4 per cent got a fourth dose, according to York Region data.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 has continued to spread, Erdman said, with 11 outbreaks as of Oct. 31.
“We’re elevated. We’re definitely seeing outbreaks. They’ve stabilized in the last few weeks through mid-October … but they’re quite high,” she said, adding that hospitalizations are also stable but higher compared to the summer.
There are currently 33 hospitalizations due to COVID-19, according to York Region data as of Oct. 31, compared to 87 at the same time last year.
It is important that people recognize there is still a risk with COVID-19, Erdman said, even if there is less of a public burden in severe outcomes. Those who have yet to get infected are also often the most vulnerable, she added.
“COVID is still circulating, and it can still cause severe outcomes for those who are most vulnerable,” Erdman said, adding that long-term complications from long COVID-19 are also an issue.
Vaccination "is a personal choice to protect yourself, but reminding people why it’s important," she added.
You can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online with the local clinic at 17150 Yonge St. You can also book by contacting Access York at 1-877-464-9675. Pharmacies are also offering vaccines, listed on the provincial website.
