York Region's top doc urges Pfizer vaccine holdouts to book appointments

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines now readily available at clinics, Dr. Karim Kurji says

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 20, 2021
Joseph Quigley

Get your second dose, York Region's medical officer of health is urging any residents who may have been holding out on booking their second dose when Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines weren't available at local clinics.

"For those who may have been holding off on booking an appointment because they wished to receive a Pfizer vaccine, please note we now have ample supply of both mRNA vaccines in our clinics," Dr. Karim Kurji said in a video update today. "Both approved mRNA vaccines provide excellent protection."

Vaccinations are progressing well, he said, but the region saw a slower uptake on bookings in the previous weeks. He said this may have been due to people holding out to get a second dose of a Pfizer vaccine, to match their first dose, after public health clinics in the region restricted access to Pfizer to youth aged 12 to 17 due to supply issues

Kurji said though the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has said both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are interchangeable, the region is now offering both readily.

As of July 15, 81 per cent of York Region adults have at least one dose of vaccine, while 65.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.

"York Region continues to make excellent progress in delivering first and second COVID-19 vaccines," Kurji said.

Ontario lifted health restrictions in York Region and across the province July 16, allowing for larger gatherings both indoors and outdoors. Kurji said everyone is excited to return to pre-pandemic lives, but urged people to continue following public health measures.

He said though case numbers are low, COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community.

"I encourage you to continue to protect yourself and your loved ones by washing your hands often, keeping the physical distance from others, and wearing a mask even if you're fully vaccinated," he said. "We have come so far and do not want to give COVID-19 or its variants any opportunity to resurge."