'It's not over until it's over,' Ontario doctor urges people to get fully vaccinated
The introduction of numerous COVID-19 variants has increased the potential for a fourth wave; still, one Alliston, Ont., doctor says it's not necessarily a "material worry" given the availability of vaccines.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital's chief of staff, Dr. Barry Nathanson, who is also a critical care specialist at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket, believes that if another wave were to occur, those who are fully vaccinated would be protected.
"A fourth wave would be amongst those who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, but most worry would be for those who have by that time have chosen not to be vaccinated," says the Alliston hospital physician.
"The vaccines protect us from a fourth wave that we have seen in one, two, and three. It would be mild except for those who are unvaccinated," he says.
So far in Simcoe Muskoka, 66 per cent of the population have received one dose, while nearly 80 per cent of adults in Ontario have rolled up their sleeves at least once, but Dr. Nathanson says having that one dose isn't going to cut it.
"We need to get many more people doubly and fully vaccinated," says Dr. Nathanson. "That's where the protection lies, and until then, none of us can rest."
As cases continue to drop to levels not seen since last August, Dr. Nathanson says he continues to watch for the emergence of variants, including variants of interests Epsilon and Lambda.
However, the one thing concerning the doctor - if it were to happen - is the idea of an acute or serious illness in someone who is fully vaccinated needing hospitalization.
"We're holding the ground with vaccinations against the variants as they emerge, and it's not over until it's over," he says.
"The big worry is that we will see some breakthrough, but on the other hand, we haven't see seen it yet, and the answer to our problems remains increased vaccination," Dr. Nathanson concludes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.