SWPH Will Have Vaccinated 80,000 by Days End

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 at 14:59

During the weekly conference call today, Dr. Joyce Lock confirmed that 38% of the population has had at least 1 dose of the vaccine, she also touched on AstraZeneca and the possibility of mixing and matching second doses.

OXFORD COUNTY - The vaccine supply for Southwestern Public Health is increasing everyday, meaning more and more people will be getting a shot in the arm.

By the end of today, 80,000 residents in SWPH region have now received 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is about 38 percent of the population. On Tuesday, the Health Unit opened up bookings to group 2 essential workers. On Thursday anyone 40 and over can book a vaccine appointment through the Health Unit. Highest risk Health Care workers will be getting their second dose sooner than first expected as well.

One tip for anyone trying to book a vaccine using an Apple device. Make sure you have the most recent operating system, as it will make the booking experience, much smoother.

Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock also touched on the AstraZeneca announcement from yesterday where the Province decided to pause first doses.

"I want to acknowledge the impact of this message on those who have received this vaccine and who may be feeling anxious or worried about their health or what lies ahead regarding a second dose of this vaccine or another vaccine. I don't have further updates at this time and I don't want to speculate."

Dr. Lock says they are waiting for NACI and Health Canada to do more research and make further recommendations. It is possible people who received a first dose of AstraZeneca, could end up with a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna. It is also possible they will just administer the second dose of AstraZeneca.

All of the current unused doses of AstraZeneca in local pharmacies will remain in the freezers unused for now. Dr. Lock was asked about the possibility of giving those doses to people who understand the risks and would like their second dose now, as opposed of letting them go to waste.

"I want to reassure people that when it is time to get your second dose, their will be a second dose. Right now the Provincial and Federal Government has asked NACI to look carefully at information around the globe on mixing and matching vaccines, how well does it work if you had one type before and different type after. We expect that research to come out and whatever the findings are, we are committed to making sure that everybody gets an appropriate second dose when there time comes up."