More than 60% of residents fully vaccinated as Region welcomes walk-ins

Vaccination clinics throughout York Region are now offering walk-ins for first and second doses.

York Region Public Health announced the increase in access on Tuesday, effective Wednesday, July 21. It comes as first doses have reached nearly 80 per cent of York Region residents aged 12 and older with fully vaccinated residents now standing at more than 62 per cent as of Monday, July 19.

“York Region continues to make excellent progress in delivering first and second COVID-19 vaccines to individuals living, working and going to school in York Region,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region's Medical Officer of Health, in his weekly update. “This progress, along with public health measures in place, has allowed us to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and we're pleased to see many sectors and businesses re-opening as a result.

Appointments can be booked at York.ca/COVID19vaccine and spots will be available at the Ray Twinney Complex in Newmarket, Richmond Green Centre in Richmond Hill, the Trisan Centre in King, the Soccer City Drive-Thru in Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Georgina Ice Palace, Maple Community Centre, and Markham clinics located at the Aaniin Community Centre and Cornell Community Centre.

In addition to offering first doses to walk-ins, York Region Public Health recently held two first dose pop-up clinics at shopping malls and they are “currently working with our community partners” to increase these opportunities across the Region.

“Due to an increase in vaccine supply, York Region COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now offering both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines,” said Patrick Casey, Director of Corporate Communications for the Region of York. “Appointments are still available for those who prefer to book one in advance. Individuals with previously booked second appointments later this summer are encouraged to book an earlier appointment or take advantage of the ability to walk-in at one of the clinics.

Walk-in hours vary at each clinic.

“It remains critically important for all those who have not yet received a vaccine to get one as soon as possible,” said Dr. Kurji. “Equally as important is receiving your second dose as soon as you are eligible. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) has stressed Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are interchangeable. Although this means it is safe to take an alternative mRNA vaccine, should the type you receive for your first dose not be readily available, we have been experiencing slower uptake in vaccine appointment bookings and may be the result of last week's vaccine supply. For those who may have been holding off on booking an appointment because of their wish to receive the Pfizer vaccine, please note we now have ample supply of both mRNA vaccines at our clinics and are offering both Pfizer and Moderna. Both approved MRNA vaccines provide excellent protection against serious illness, hospitalization.

“York Region entered Step 3 of the provincial roadmap to reopening plan on Friday, July 16, 2021. This step allows us to resume many of the activities we missed, including outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people, indoor gatherings of up to 25 people, indoor dining and opening many municipal recreational facilities, attractions and local businesses. While we are all excited to return to our pre-pandemic lives, please be reminded that while our case numbers are low, COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community. We have come so far and wouldn't want to give COVID-19 or its variants any opportunity to resurge.”

LOCAL STATS

As of Monday, July 19, Aurora has seen a total of 1,848 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 3 of which remain active.

1,797 cases are now marked as recovered and there have been 48 fatalities.

Of the 3 active cases, 2 are related to local transmission, close contact or unknown exposure, while 1 is related to travel.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter