"Lowest numbers we've seen in a year" says EOHU Chief Medical Officer

With vaccination rates continuing at a steady pace, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Chief Medical Officer for the EOHU, remarks that these are the lowest numbers that  the EOHU, and Ontario has had in a year. 
 
This past weekend, no new cases have been added, bringing out active case count to 1, and 4 in the United Counties of Prescott Russel region. In the EOHU, there are currently 11 active cases, with 1 individual being hospitalized, and 1 in the ICU. There are no ongoing outbreaks at the moment. 
 
As of today, the eligibility for 2nd dose vaccines have changed. Individuals who received their first dose before May 9th, regardless of age, can now book their 2nd dose appointments.
 
Dr. Paul informs us that some clinics in the area are temporarily not yet available to make appointments for next week. This is the result of a Pfizer shortage in July that will be made up for at a later date. With this being the case, Dr. Paul says that as soon as they are added, people will be able to start booking again. 
 
We are also reminded to cancel our 2nd dose appointments if an individual receives their 2nd dose from a pharmacy or primary caregiver, in order to maintain spots for those who need them. 
 
As of June 28th, those who receive their first dose will now be able to get an appointment for their 2nd dose as early as 28 days.  Dr. Paul urges that there is still availability for 12-17 year olds to be vaccinated, and that Canada has reserved Pfizer for that age group, as it is the only vaccine certified by Canada for that age group. Also, most of the clinics will be Moderna clinics from now on, with Dr. Paul clarifying the interchangeability of the mRNA based vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer).

With 159,000 vaccines administered, approximately 88% of the eligible population have now received their first dose in the EOHU. 
 
Dr. Paul then shares with us updates on the Delta variant, saying that it is 1.5% more transmissible than the UK variant. Further, 1 first dose will  result in a 35% protection from infection, but will result in 85% protection from being hospitalized.  With this, Dr. Paul reminds us that the 1st dose does offer protection, but still does not fully protect you, which is why we need to get everyone their 2nd dose as soon as possible. 
 
Finally, some important questions were brought up during the Q and A session. 
 
When asked about Section 22 regulations, Dr. Paul says that once at least 80% of the population has received their 2nd doses, each health unit will start to review their mandates on social distancing and masks. 
 
Additionally, when asked about kids under 12 not being vaccinated in time for next school year, Dr. Paul hopes that with older age groups being vaccinated, that will provide a herd immunity for them by the time school re-opens.