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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.