by the LGL Health Unit
Let’s work together to reach a goal of 90% fully vaccinated by September 7, when school starts for most kids.
Statistics:
Of the region’s population 12 years of age and over, 90.2% have first doses and 82.8% have second doses (as of August 15, 2021). In youth 12–17, 78.3% have first doses and 63.7% have second doses.
815 first doses were administered last week. Ages 18–29 have the lowest rate of 71.5% first doses and 58.9% with second doses.
We encourage those 18–29 to check out the options for getting vaccinated below.
Provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health Vaccine Directive #6 for Health Care Settings:
- By September 7, hospitals, EMS, home care and community care organizations must have a vaccine policy in place for employees, contractors, students, and volunteers. The vaccination policy must include proof of one of three things: Full vaccination against COVID-19; a medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session.
- Individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing.
- These settings will be required to track and report on the implementation of their policies to the provincial government. This is similar to the vaccination policy requirements currently in place for long-term care homes.
Vaccine policies for other sectors:
Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health has stated on August 17, 2021 that COVID-19 vaccine policies will also be required in the licensed childcare, education sector, colleges and universities, residential and congregate living settings. More detail to come.
Provincial Third Booster Doses for Selected Populations:
The following individuals will be eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to boost their immune response:
- Residents in a long-term care home (LTC) or a high risk retirement home (with a memory unit or attached to a LTC home) at least 5 months after their second vaccine dose;
- Very immunosuppressed individuals, through their health care provider only, at least 2 months after their second dose;
- Transplants – Hematopoetic and solid;
- Active Tx for hematopoetic malignancy only;
- On anti CD 20 agents.
Questions about getting vaccinated:
Physicians have been offering their time to answer questions at some of our clinics for those who have questions about the vaccine. If you have questions, check our website to see when a physician is available for a consultation, or contact your health care provider, or a pharmacist.
Nurses are available to answer questions about the vaccine at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222.
How to Get Vaccinated:
All 12+ are eligible for a first dose anytime and can get a second dose: (*NEW* all students born in 2009 will now be eligible to have vaccine now rather than having to wait for their 12th birthday)
21 days after first dose of Pfizer
28 days after first dose of Moderna (18+)
8 weeks after first dose of AstraZeneca (18+)
Appointments are also available at some clinics, book through the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark online booking portal or call 1-844-369-1234 – If you don’t see a clinic online it may be for walk ins only – call to check the walk in schedule. Transportation is available if needed. Check our link online.
Some workplaces are holding clinics on site, as well as clinics for residents of Social Housing – check with your employer or case worker to see if you have that option at your workplace or building.
Pharmacies still have vaccine. Check a participating pharmacy
Students can enter our new Instagram Selfie Contest (@lglhealthunit.z) – take a selfie after getting your first dose, post it, and tag the health unit account and post who your “influencer” is that helped you make the decision to get your vaccine, and you could both win a $50 gift card.
Remember, it is important to continue to follow precautions if you have one or even two vaccine doses. We need to keep protecting each other until we are all fully vaccinated.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the COVID-19 Protection and Vaccines section of our website: https://healthunit.org.
