Skip to Main Content Health Care Professionals Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • COVID-19
  • Vaccine momentum continues locally, youth urged to book appointments in preparation for back-to-school

News

Vaccine momentum continues locally, youth urged to book appointments in preparation for back-to-school

The Health Unit is pleased to report that over 70% of adults over the age of 18 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and over 20% of adults over the age of 18 are now fully vaccinated.

In Haldimand and Norfolk, 98% of residents living in Long-term Care Homes (LTCH) are fully vaccinated. As a result of the successful vaccination program in these settings, the Health Unit has not reported any outbreaks in LTCHs for several weeks.

“This speaks volumes to the success of the vaccination program locally. In reviewing the most recent fatalities, the last COVID-19-related fatality in a LTCH was in April. Again, extremely positive news that can be attributed to immunization,” noted Dr. Kate Bishop-Williams, epidemiologist for the Health Unit.

In the community, over 93% of adults over the age of 80 years are now at least partially vaccinated, and 81% of adults in that age group are now fully vaccinated.

The uptake of vaccine among youth and young adults has been markedly lower. To date, 32% of youth ages 12-17 years have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 43% of adults aged 18-29 years have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“While these numbers continue to climb, they are climbing slowly. In order to re-open schools, return to workplaces and progress toward a sense of normalcy, community uptake of the vaccine must continue to increase. Schools can be as safe as LTCHs if the rate of vaccine coverage continues to climb,” Bishop-Williams added.

Families are reminded that all individuals over the age of 12 years are eligible for their first dose of vaccine. Youth can book appointments online using the provincial booking tool or through participating local pharmacies.

Youth and their households may also book appointments at dedicated youth and family clinics (with flexible weekend and evening hours) by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.

Pop-up clinics will also be offered throughout summer based on vaccine supply available, which youth may also attend.

For more information on the local vaccine rollout, visit HNHU.org/covax.