By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local residents who have made this a two-dose summer are invited to share their stories.
The invite is part of the #TwoDoseSummerCK celebration Aug. 5.
The event is being held to highlight the success of people who have already taken the COVID-19 vaccine.
It also provides an additional opportunity for folks who have not had the vaccine to learn about the shot from reliable sources.
With only six weeks remaining until the school bell rings, the window is closing for residents to have a two-dose summer.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby hopes those who have yet to be vaccinated in the community will step forward to get the shot.
According to Colby, “time is running out” to get the shot before the school-year begins and the municipality’s vaccination rates for the 12- to 17-year-old age group is the lowest in the province.
As of Tuesday, Chatham-Kent was at 52 per cent coverage for first doses for people aged 12 to 17, while the provincial average is 66 per cent.
However, Colby noted vaccination rates are strong for people over 60 and these people “deserve credit for making the decision to get vaccinated.”
There are a number of ways for fully vaccinated people to participate, including sharing their story on the virtual duct tape wall at IAmGetting VaccinatedBecause.com.
Or they can post a photo of their vaccination story using the #TwoDoseSummerCK hashtag on social media.
Another option is to decorate your home with a homemade ‘I Am Getting Vaccinated Because’ firework or find the downloadable firework on the CKPHU webpage.
People who have not received a vaccine can join in by to informing themselves with reliable information, talking to their healthcare provider, or visiting a walk-in clinic to speak to a public health nurse. That can also be done by phone by calling 519-355-1071 ext. 1900.
In order for Ontario to move forward out of Step 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, the province needs to reach 80 per cent of those age 12 and up with a first dose, 75 per cent with a second dose and no health unit under 70 per cent double vaccinated.
As of Tuesday, Chatham-Kent was at 75 per cent for first doses for people aged 12 and up, and 66 per cent for double doses.
There is a 28-day waiting period between the first and second doses.
People who are considering getting the shot have a number of barrier-free options available.
First and second dose walk-ins are welcome at the Bradley Centre for those aged 12 and up.
- Aug 3: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Pfizer
- Aug 5: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Pfizer
- Aug 6: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Moderna
- Aug 7: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pfizer
There will be a pop-up walk-in clinic at John McGregor Secondary School Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for youth aged 12 to 17 years.
A second pop-up walk-in clinic will be held at Tilbury District High School Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Next week will see a pop-up walk-in clinic for 12 years and up at the Dresden Arena Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The WISH Centre in Chatham will host a pop-up clinic for ages 12 and up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Two more 12 years-plus pop-up clinics are also scheduled. One will be held at the Merlin Library on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and another will take place at Wallaceburg District Secondary School Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
