York Region urges more uptake on third COVID-19 vaccines

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 31, 2022

York Region Public Health is urging holdouts for a third dose of COVID-19 to get one and said more evidence is now available highlighting its safety and necessity.

Medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes focused on third doses in his biweekly update today, May 30. He said evidence in Ontario and around the world is highlighting the third dose as an “immunological sweetspot” for providing protection, with a fourth dose not necessary for most for now.

He said that third doses help drive down transmission, but many in York Region -- especially in the 12 to 60 age group -- have yet to get one.

“If you are waiting for the science on safety or the science on the need for the third dose, or if you’re otherwise healthy and you’ve had COVID, and you don’t need it, now we have the evidence,” he said. “It clearly demonstrates the safety, the effectiveness, and the need for everyone 12 and up to have a third dose.”

Approximately 57.8 per cent of eligible York Region residents age 12 and older have at least three doses of vaccine as of May 27. However, 89.2 per cent of that age group have had at least two doses. While age groups 60 and older have at least 72 per cent third-dose coverage, younger age groups have less, with those 18 to 29 at approximately 45 per cent coverage.

Third doses are not yet available for children, though Pakes said two-dose coverage is 87 per cent effective at preventing severe outcomes for that age group. He said those third doses for children should hopefully be available by sometime over the summer.

However, fourth doses are available for those age 60 and older, and the immunocompromised, which Pakes said is still important. He said they may be needed more widely in the fall, but that is still unknown.

Pakes said COVID-19 is still prevalent in the community, though indicators like wastewater signals are trending positively.

“Omicron is present though at high levels,” he said. “Our high vaccination rates in York Region have been so impactful in decreasing severe illness." 

Monkeypox not major threat
Pakes also discussed monkeypox, a new illness that has had some cases in Toronto.

He said though it has not popped up in York Region, it likely will in the coming days and weeks. However, he said it is significantly different from COVID-19, with transmission more by close contact than air.

The health-care system is prepared to handle it, with vaccines and antiviral medication already available, he added.

“I want to reassure those in York Region that the risk of monkeypox to the broad community in York Region is very low,” he said. “Monkeypox is not a novel virus. We do know something about it.”

Pakes reminded the public to be considerate of one another and to continue to keep a mask on their person.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, we’re looking forward to a summer that’s more normal, healthy and positive.”