To date in Durham Region, 83 per cent of residents 18-years and older have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, with 78 per cent of individuals in this age group being fully vaccinated, according to Durham Health.
For residents 12 and older, 82 per cent have received at least one dose, while 77 per cent are now fully vaccinated – this shows that residents are continuing to make an effort to protect themselves and others by getting their shot.
“As of September 1, Durham Health Department has seen a steady uptake in vaccinations with over 6,100 individuals receiving a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Thank you for all your ongoing cooperation and support in the fight against Covid-19,” said Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
He said for the past several weeks, the province has been working on improving vaccination rates through its last mile strategy to reach eligible individuals who have yet to be immunized against Covid-19. Locally, Health Department staff has been reaching residents through mobile clinic opportunities across the region and through school clinics. The mass immunization clinics at Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax and Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa will also remain open, offering both walk-in opportunities and appointments for booking. For a schedule of upcoming school clinics and mobile clinics or to book an appointment at one of the mass immunization clinics, please visit www.durham.ca/Covidvaccines.
Dr. Kyle pointed out that to help increase vaccination rates and protect individuals in higher-risk indoor settings, the province is implementing proof of vaccination requirements which take effect on September 22, 2021. The province has released regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing the proof of vaccination requirements. Proof of vaccination will be required at certain indoor settings such as indoor areas of restaurants and bars; facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; and meeting and event spaces. Please consult the regulations and guidance for the complete list of establishments as well as information about related exemptions.
On October 22, the province will implement an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code that can be shown on a mobile device or printed out. Until implementation of the enhanced vaccine certificate, residents who have a green photo health card can access, save and/or print their proof of vaccination by visiting the provincial portal at Covid19.ontariohealth.ca. Residents who have a red and white health card or who do not have a health card can contact the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 for a call centre agent to email them a copy of their first and second dose receipts. Individuals will be asked to show their vaccine receipts to enter certain establishments, including those listed above, as of September 22.
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