Public health recommends vaccination as disease surges to levels not seen in more than a year
York Region Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the region soar to levels not seen in more than a year.
York Region had 117 COVID-19-related hospitalizations as of Dec. 5, the highest number since January 2022 at the height of the pandemic, and the number of infections continues to rise. Normalized wastewater data shows this is the second highest level of circulating COVID-19 infections in the region recorded since the pandemic began, with the peak not surpassed until 2021. It also shows that from December 2022 he will be until January 2022.
Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sarah Erdmann said this recent surge has not yet peaked and means the coronavirus and influenza are here to stay this holiday season.
“People should be relatively concerned,” she said, adding that public health wants to make sure hospitals are not overwhelmed. “It’s a wake-up call to get vaccinated now. It takes about two weeks for your body to react to the vaccine and protect you. Now is a good time to get vaccinated, before the holidays.”
As of December 5, Southlake Regional Health Center has had five cases of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) within the facility, with a total of 25 patients, but no deaths. It’s not out.
However, vaccination rates are trending lower than they were at the height of the pandemic. Eligibility for the latest COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations was expanded to the general public from November 1st. Erdmann said only about a third of older adults and 12% of the general population have received the latest vaccines.
Erdmann said it’s especially important that older people and more vulnerable people get vaccinated.
“A lot of people have become a little complacent about COVID-19, but for young, healthy people this may not be a problem,” he said, adding that COVID-19 still affects them. , it added, could cause illness. “However, there are still many hospitalizations occurring for people who are at high risk of severe outcomes.”
As for masks, Erdmann said it’s a great idea to help reduce the risk of infection in crowded indoor environments, especially for people at high risk for severe COVID-19.
“There is no masking requirement. This is still a recommendation for anyone going out in public,” Erdman said. “But there is a lot of evidence that as individuals, wearing a mask can protect us from respiratory infections.”
Erdman said public health authorities and the government are working to spread information about vaccination. She said anyone with questions can speak to a medical professional. Vaccines are available at pharmacies or public health clinics. For more information, please visit: york.ca/covid19.
Erdmann said getting vaccinated is important as people prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
“It’s important that we do what we can to protect those who are more at risk,” she said.
