Local vaccine coverage data show that most Durham Region residents have been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
He, however, did not provide any statistics on the percentage of Durham population that has been vaccinated.
Dr. Kyle urged the unvaccinated to get their shots as well as the others to get their second, third or booster doses, urging them to take whichever vaccine was first available.
“I encourage all eligible residents to get their first, second or third dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Vaccination is our best protection and evidence shows that third/booster doses can substantially increase protection against the Omicron variant. Either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine may be administered as a third dose regardless of which vaccine individuals received for their first and second doses,” said Dr. Kyle in a statement last week.
He said mixing vaccines is safe, effective and enables residents to benefit from the protection of a booster dose sooner. “Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines provide strong protection against Covid-19 and its variants, and residents are advised to get the vaccine that is available to them first.”
He said the Health Department continues to add appointments as soon as resources are secured.
Durham Region residents can receive their vaccine at participating pharmacies, health care providers, and at Durham Region community immunization clinics. The Health Department is accepting walk-ins for first and second doses at its community immunization clinics, dependent on vaccine availability.
For a list of clinics, hours of operation or to book an appointment, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. Appointments are also available through the provincial GO-VAXX Covid-19 vaccination clinics.