7 things you need to know now about COVID-19 in York Region
1. Vaccines for York Region children are coming soon
Vaccines for the 5-11 age group in York Region are anticipated sometime in November, said Dr. Richard Gould, York Region’s acting medical officer of health.
To accommodate expanded eligibility groups, the region plans to extend clinic capacity, increase staff hours, is exploring “school hubs” and will shift to seven-day operation in most vaccine sites by Nov. 8.
Except for pop-up clinics, the region will focus more on appointments instead of drop-ins in order to decrease crowding and lineups.
2. Boosters are coming for older groups, too, but don’t stress about it
The province is saying third doses are recommended about six months after you’ve received your second dose, but it’s not urgent that you get it immediately after becoming eligible, Gould said.
“Protection does not drop off precipitously,” he said. “You don’t have to worry if it’s six months and a week, your immunity is going to disappear. It happens gradually, and susceptibility increases a little bit.”
3. Kudos to those aged 40-44 or 75 and older. Younger groups: time to step up
More than 90 per cent of York Region residents in the 40-44 and 75+ age groups have been double-vaccinated.
But those aged 25-29 remain the least vaccinated, with more than 25 per cent yet to get double-dosed.
“We’d really like to see more uptake in this age group,” Gould said. “You cannot rely on your age to protect you. We have seen young adults fall seriously ill from the virus, even with no underlying health conditions.”
4. Talks are underway to get rapid tests to York Region
York is working with its school boards to determine the best way to implement rapid antigen testing in schools.
Use of these rapid tests is limited as they can only be used on vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals and those who are not at high risk.
One possible use: when a school is closed due to COVID, the rapid tests can identify undetected cases before reopening.
Take-home PCR testing — currently used in Toronto — is also a possibility for York to test those who have symptoms and those who have high-risk contacts.
Individuals could take the test at home and drop off at a participating pharmacy. Details are still to be determined.
5. Baby in your future? Vaccines should be too
The province has a “pregnancy blitz,” encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated because they are at much higher risk of serious COVID infection, five times more likely to be hospitalized, 10 times more likely to be admitted to ICU and to require ventilation and life support breathing, Gould said.
The vaccine has been shown to be “overwhelmingly safe” in those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and studies show the antibodies may pass along to your baby to make them safe after birth.
The region is considering the possibility of larger obstetric practices providing vaccines to their patients.
6. Sore throat? Headache? Sniffles? Get tested ASAPhttps://10c8bbcd437ac79b0f3c02b78fdc804e.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
“We are noticing a concerning trend where individuals are not going for testing right away,” Gould said.
If you notice symptoms, even if you’re fully vaccinated, it’s important to test and isolate, he said.
“We do not want to lose the progress we’ve made and can’t assume it’s not COVID-19.”
7. The COVID-19 vaccine won’t protect you from the common flu
The annual flu shot is strongly recommended for everyone six months of age and older. It can keep you from getting sick with the flu and limits strain on the health system still burdened by the pandemic.
If you haven’t got your COVID-19 vaccine yet, you can get it at the same time as you get your flu shot, and if you just received the COVID-19 vaccine, you don’t need to wait, he said.
Article From: YorkRegion.com
Author: Kim Zarzour
