First-timers still coming in for vax - that's good news say health officials
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on with Omicron sweeping through local communities, some in Oxford and Elgin counties who were once vaccine-hesitant appear to be coming around.
More than 300 people were expected to take in a popup vaccine clinic in Aylmer Friday.
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) Director of Vaccines Susan MacIsaac said she’s pleased to still be seeing new faces.
“There are some people who have waited and we are seeing some first doses today, which is wonderful. Anyone who makes that decision, it’s great news. You know they hear that we have had some deaths and I think that’s worrisome for people, so they’re deciding to make that decision to give them the best protection as possible,” said MacIsaac.
Thirty-one year old Dylan Grant-Wilson, formerly of Toronto now residing in Aylmer, came for his booster.
“Basically to protect my family,” he said. “I personally am not too concerned with this variant, but I still think it’s important to do what you can and have a baseline vaccination.”
Jaxon Vonk was happy to get his first dose. Of course, he’s only nine-years-old, but his mom Julie Smith said he took it upon himself to make sure he got to the clinic.Jaxon Vonk, 9, and his mother at the COVID-19 vaccine pop up clinic in Aylmer. Jan. 21, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV News)“Actually it was his decision,” she said. “I asked him if he wanted to be vaccinated now that there are vaccines for children his age, And he said ‘yes I’d like to be safe.’ And that’s why were here today.”
The push to get people vaccinated comes amid a surge of COVID hospitalizations in Elgin and Oxford counties, along with a COVID outbreak at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital.
In a news release the hospital said fewer than five patients have tested positive.
According to Southwestern Public Health, there are currently 52 COVID hospitalizations in the region, with 10 in the ICU.
All the more reason to come in for a shot, said MacIsaac. “So people who are vaccinated, it really does give some protection from hospitalization and that really is our goal.”
SWPH is hosting a popup COVID-19 vaccination clinic Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tillsonburg Community Centre. Appointments are required.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.