CORNWALL, Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has issued a notice urging the public to get a third booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The EOHU has been administering booster doses since they became available late last year. While the numbers of individuals aged 50 and over who have received their third booster dose is relatively high, over 50 per cent of those aged 12 to 49 have yet to receive a booster shot.
“I highly encourage anyone over 12 years of age who has received their first two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine series to book an appointment as soon as they’re eligible for their third dose,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “There is strong evidence that individuals who have received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are better protected against the Omicron variant and subvariant for a longer period of time than individuals who have only received two doses.”
Roughly 80 per cent or more of those aged 60 to 80+ living in the EOHU have received their booster dose.
“The third dose will also help maintain our healthcare system and avoid having to once again implement restrictions in the future,” added Dr. Roumeliotis.
The COVID-19 positivity rate for those being tested in the EOHU is 13.7 per cent as of Tuesday, April 5. There are 7 individuals in hospital. Since March of 2020, 217 individuals in the EOHU have died of the virus.
Appointments are available through the provincial vaccine booking system at www.Ontario.ca/bookvaccine and through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1 833 943-3900. Individuals who need assistance or special accommodations can call the EOHU at 1 800 267-7120. Booster doses are also available through partnering pharmacies, or through your health care provider.
