Simcoe Muskoka health unit offering 2nd COVID-19 booster to adults 18 to 59
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit is now offering fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to a select group.
The health unit noted a summer spike in infections driven by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant, with a 46 per cent uptick in weekly cases locally.
"Eligibility for a second COVID-19 booster dose has expanded to include anyone 18 to 59 years," the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) stated in a release.
Those eligible must have received their first booster dose five months (140 days) or a minimum of three months (84 days) ago.
Health officials say a second booster adds "an extra layer of protection" against COVID-19.
The SMDHU is largely tracking infection rates by wastewater data, with recent samples revealing higher levels in Midland and Orillia compared to late May and early June.
The health unit reports more than half of residents in Simcoe Muskoka have yet to get their booster shot.
"With the rising rate of transmission of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant, and the risk of reinfection, it is extremely important for individuals to firstly ensure that they have the first booster," said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU medical officer of health.
Dr. Gardner added that staying up to date on available vaccines "offers the most important layer of protection and reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization if you become infected with COVID-19."
Hospital officials dealing with staffing shortages urged residents to roll up their sleeves to ease the burden on local facilities.
COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS
The health unit offers COVID-19 shots across the region at appointment-based and walk-in clinics.
GO-VAXX bus clinics also offer third and fourth doses, along with first and second for anyone interested.
Select pharmacies and some health care providers carry vaccine doses.
RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS
SMDHU advises sticking with outdoor activities when possible and wearing a mask in indoor public settings to prevent the spread of infection.
It also recommends limiting close contacts, physical distancing from those outside your household and hand washing.
Health officials urge those feeling unwell to remain home and take a rapid antigen test or PCR test, if eligible.
Free rapid home testing kits are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director
World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage
New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.