'Significant milestone': more than 70 per cent of York Region adults have one dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Variants continue to threaten herd immunity

Yorkregion.com
May 28, 2021
Kim Zarzour

York Region is celebrating a “significant milestone” in the fight against COVID-19.

As of May 26, more than 70 per cent of York Region’s adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

This fulfils the vaccination requirement for Step Two of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen

On May 20, the Ontario government released it’s three-step plan to gradually lift public health measures based on vaccination rates and other key health indicators.

Step One, which allows outdoor activities with smaller crowds where risk is low, was anticipated to begin the week of June 14, when 60 per cent of Ontarians have had one dose.

Step Two -- when 70 per cent of adults have had one dose and 20 per cent have had two -- would allow for further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers where masks are worn.

York Region is one of the first regions in the province to reach the 70 per cent mark but Public Health suggests any notion of herd immunity must be interpreted with caution, given the presence of variants of concern.

“While we have been targeting 75 per cent in all age groups, we are more comfortable if we reach 85 per cent,” said Patrick Casey, Director, Corporate Communications.

Among those aged 60 and older, the region is aiming to have at least 90 per cent vaccinated, he added.

As of May 25, 79 per cent of those 60 to 64 have had at least one dose and almost 85 per cent of those 65 to 69. More than 86 per cent of residents 70 to 75 have had one dose and among those 75 and older, about 93 per cent have had one dose.

Ontario may shorten COVID-19 vaccine intervals for second doses next week: York Region medical officer of health

While achieving the 70 per cent one-dose milestone is a testament to the dedication and commitment of York Region residents, and it signals a brighter future ahead, Casey said it is still important for everyone, even those who have been vaccinated, to continue following public health advice.

That means stay home as much as possible, practise physical distancing, wear a mask when required and wash your hands frequently.

It’s also very important all residents get their second dose of the vaccine when it’s their turn, he said.

Long-term protection against COVID-19 is not achieved until after the second dose of Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

Demand for vaccines still exceeds supply in York Region, and Casey urged patience.

“Please wait for your turn,” he said, “but when it is your turn, don’t wait.”