COVID vaccinations up, virus cases down
Article content
COVID-19 vaccinations are up and new cases of the virus are down, says Brant’s acting medical officer of health.
“This is what we definitely want to see,” Dr. Rebecca Comley said during her weekly media briefing Tuesday.
While there were no COVID outbreaks for Brantford and Brant on Tuesday morning, by the afternoon the health unit had declared an outbreak of two on a Brantford Collegiate Institute bus route.
But Comley said the community’s good vaccination rate is proving the “most important defence“ when it comes to fighting the virus.
Along with encouraging the unvaccinated to visit a walk-in or pop-up clinic for their shot, Comley said pregnant or breastfeeding women or those planning to become pregnant should consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“(Those individuals) are at higher risk of experiencing serious health complications due to COVID-19,” she said.
The doctor added that the vaccine is “safe, effective and highly recommended” for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The province has prepared a pregnancy information web page to questions at www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy.
Eighty-three per cent of local residents, aged 12 and older are now vaccinated with at least one dose. Over the last week, about 500 people in Brantford-Brant received a first dose of the vaccine.
The doctor said information is available for those who are hesitant to get the vaccine over specific concerns.
“We have an information line people can call and staff will answer their individual questions or staff at the clinics are always available to talk to those with concerns,” Comley said.
Those wishing to contact the health unit can call the resource line at 519-753-4937 and press 3 or they can email covid19@bchu.org.
Comley said Brantford-Brant residents can also tap into systems set up by the Scarborough Health Network and Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital.
The Scarborough network’s VaxFacts Clinic can connect a caller to a qualified doctor by booking an appointment through 416-438-2911, ext. 5738, or online at www.shn.ca/vaxfacts.
Similarly, the vaccine consult service at Sick Kids connects callers to a pediatric registered nurse. Call 437-881-3505 or go online to book a chat at www.sickkids.ca/en/care-services/support-services/covid-19-vaccine-consult.
Comley also noted that flu shots will be available to the general public at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and health unit clinics, starting in early November.
“Brant residents should get their flu shot as soon as possible because it takes two weeks to take effect.”
The doctor added that National Advisory Committee on Immunization says that the flu shot and COVID vaccines can be safely given at the same time.
With Halloween being celebrated this week, Comley said people should prioritize safety by not participating in parties if they are feeling unwell, even with mild symptoms.
She said people should consider handing out treats outdoors and incorporating face coverings into any costumes.
SGamble@postmedia.com
@EXPSGamble
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.