Dr. Natalie Bocking confirms Northumberland County is behind the rest of the health unit and the province regarding the number of people who have a first and second dose. She is urging people to get vaccinated before the fall as a potential fourth wave looms.
The report broadcast on the Northumberland 89.7 FM newscast:
The need for Northumberland County residents to get vaccinated is more urgent now than ever, according to Dr. Natalie Bocking, the chief medical officer for the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
On Tuesday, Dr. Bocking emphasized the importance of getting 90 percent or more of the people eligible for vaccines inoculated before the fall or face serious consequences.
Northumberland County is behind the rest of the regions making up the health unit’s coverage area. It is also behind the provincial average.
Only 67 percent of residents have received their first dose. And, only 58 percent are fully vaccinated with two doses.
Meanwhile, in Haliburton and the Kawartha Lakes, 75 percent of eligible residents have the first dose. When it comes to the second dose, they are at 61 percent.
The health unit is urging people to get their shots right away. Multiple clinics are being offered daily from now and through August.
I’m Robert Washburn reporting for Northumberland 89.7 FM