Vaccine demand rises in Simcoe Muskoka following vaccine certificate announcement
The number of Simcoe Muskoka residents heading to Barrie's RVH COVID-19 immunization clinic is up since the province made it mandatory to be vaccinated to access certain facilities.
Staff at the Barrie clinic say previously hesitant residents are rolling up their sleeves for their shot before the vaccine certificate takes effect on Sept. 22.
"The last few days at Sperling Drive have been very interesting. We have seen double the amount of dose-ones," said Amy Wardell, RVH clinic testing and immunization manager.
Wardell said the feeling appears to be one of reluctance among many residents getting their first dose.
"We're hearing a lot of our clients this week really stating that they're here because they have to be," she noted.
Wardell said the RVH clinic sees around 500 people per day, and at least half of those are for first doses.
A complete list of what will and won't be accessible without a vaccine certificate is available here.
VALID MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS
Only residents who have an allergic reaction to a vaccine component or who suffered myocarditis or pericarditis after the first vaccine dose will be considered medically exempt.
The province said an allergy to the vaccine's ingredients would have to be confirmed by an allergist or immunologist.
Staff at the Sperling Drive clinic reported a 20 per cent jump in the number of people wanting a first-dose.
"I think some people are feeling a bit pressured that they need to come and get it. We really try to reinforce that it's still their choice," said registered practical nurse Shari Sherwood.
Sherwood administers the vaccine at the Sperling clinic. She said there had been a lot of questions regarding the shot and the recently announced vaccine certificate.
"Some people have left and come back," she added.
VACCINE CERTIFICATE
On Sept. 22, the Ontario government will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status, plus photo ID, to access certain indoor businesses.
More details on the vaccination certificate program are available here.
Ontario's health minister took to social media Friday to say province-wide vaccinations had increased.
"Yesterday, Ontario administered 43,855 doses, the most shots in two weeks. Almost half were first doses as more people roll up their sleeves< tweeted Christine Elliott.
Elliott added that vaccine appointment bookings on the provincial system nearly doubled on Thursday from one week ago.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.