Troy Shantz
About 39% of eligible local residents have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, says Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health.
That puts Sarnia-Lambton well on pace to exceed Ontario’s target of 40% of adults receiving their first shot by May 6.
“Of course, 40% is just a number,” Dr. Sudit Ranade said.
“What we’re really trying to do is immunize as many people as we possibly can over the next few months.”
As of Tuesday, 42,742 first dose and 2,599 second doses had been administered.
Ranade said the vaccine supply is “stable” for the next few weeks as Ontario directs additional shots to harder-hit regions. And he expects shipments to increase shortly.
“We believe in the middle of May… that we’re going to get a little bump up in our supply.”
The number of local active cases has been declining in recent weeks.
Bluewater Health, which us receiving transfers from hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area, had 10 patients with COVID-19 Wednesday, down two from the previous day.
But Ranade urged residents not let down their guard because the virus spreads easily and can quickly overwhelm the health system.
“It’s not gone. It’s still here. Keep doing the things you do, that you need to do, and when it’s your turn to be immunized, please step forward and be immunized.”
Lambton Public Health defines the vaccine-eligible population as residents 16 years of age and older.