Thousands of vaccine appointments remain open in York Region
Data reveals the demand for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine may be easing off in York Region after hundreds of appointments went unbooked.
According to the region's medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, the health unit made 25,000 appointments available on Monday; but there were still about 2,500 that went unbook as of Tuesday morning, with another 33,000 appointments set to open to the public starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
"I'm hoping that you know folks that haven't been able to get appointments at the earlier stages will probably make use of these opportunities," says Dr. Kurji.
To date, 80 per cent of adults in York Region have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with just more than half the adults now fully vaccinated.
Dr. Kurji says the concern now sits with the 20 per cent who have yet to roll up their sleeves at least once. He says the region could rely heavily on pop-up clinics to get as many vaccinated as possible.
"It is very important, really, that we get coverage extended to the majority of our population," the top doc says. "So far, I think we have reached just under 80 per cent of our 12+ population with first doses while we are doing fairly well with the earlier second doses."
Plans are already in the works for pop-up clinics within York Region malls specifically for first doses only. Walk-ins are also being considered at some of the region's clinics starting July 12.
According to Dr. Kurji, up until now, clinics have worked with individuals when possible, ensuring their second dose was the same brand as their first. But an impending Pfizer shortage isn't going to allow that to continue, at least for now.
"We are advising people in advance that until about July 18, we can expect to be giving Moderna instead of Pfizer because of the relative shortage of Pfizer," says Dr. Kurji. "Thereafter, we expect the Pfizer supplies to resume again."
Eligible children between 12 and 17 years of age will still receive the Pfizer vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.