Nearly 53K eligible residents yet to get a first COVID shot: Waterloo Region’s MOH

By Mark Pare

She was a thankful Medical Officer of Health in Waterloo Region, delivering an update to Regional Council Tuesday morning.

But in her thanks to those who have been fully vaccinated, allowing for more activities over the Thanksgiving weekend, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said the region needs to continue increasing community immunity.

“Approximately 77,000 residents aged 12 and older are not fully vaccinated,” she said.

“Of these, almost 53,000 who are eligible for the vaccine have not yet received a first dose.”

Dr. Wang said COVID-19 case rates in Waterloo Region and Ontario remain relatively stable, and the same can be said for the number of hospitalizations and outbreaks.

She also reiterated a message delivered during Friday's COVID-19 update about rapid testing in schools.

Dr. Wang said the region continues to work with provincial experts and other public health units on program parameters, and looking for specific criteria.

Regional councillor Berry Vrbanovic asked Dr. Wang about planning for when COVID-19 vaccines are eligible for kids aged five to 11.

He noted that there are some health units that have begun the registration process.

Dr. Wang said it's something she will take back to the vaccine team for information, to determine if it's something they'll move ahead with locally.

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