WECHU hopes province will 'pull some levers' to increase local vaccination rate
Windsor-Essex has reached a vaccine milestone, but is looking at other ways to achieve its target of 90 per cent community vaccination.
Latest figures show 80.6 per cent of Windsor-Essex residents aged five and up have been fully vaccinated, but officials are raising an eyebrow over a recent drop off in vaccinations.
“I think we’re all concerned with the drop. We still have quite a number of individuals who have still not received still a second dose,” says Nicole Dupuis, the CEO of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, which is reporting a 46 per cent drop in vaccination rate from week two of the new year to week three.
Also concerning to officials is the number of people in the region who have not received a booster dose. According to the health unit, that includes about 188,000 people.
“We are regrouping and will adjust our plans and continue to provide outreach and opportunities,” says Dupuis.
Vaccine availability is improving. The health unit announced third doses of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are in strong supply and available to walk-ins.
The health unit also plans to focus its efforts on neighbourhoods where vaccine uptake is lower.
“I remain optimistic that we’ll hit the 90 per cent target, but I do think it’s up to community members to really make that effort to get vaccinated,” Dupuis says.
There’s also a local push to get more kids inoculated.
The Windsor-Essex board of health has passed a resolution asking the province to add the COVID vaccine to the list covered by the immunization for school pupils act, acting medical officer of health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai told reporters during Thursday’s briefing.
“I think that is one policy lever that we as a community can exercise to try to improve vaccination rates,” Dr. Nesathurai says. “I’m hopeful that does come to fruition.”
The head of Ontario’s science table also believes it’s time to update the vaccine certificate.
“What would make them safer of course is if we have a vaccine certificate that calls for three doses as the requirement for a vaccine certificate, not two,” says Dr. Peter Juni.
So far, the province has indicated it will not yet be changing the vaccine certificate guideline for “fully vaccinated” to include three doses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.