Algoma Public Health urges public to get booster doses as Omicron variant looms

Algoma Public Health is urging the public to get the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as cases of the Omicron variant - which is considered more infectious, even for people who are vaccinated with two COVID-19 shots - continue to spread across Ontario. 

The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table estimated that Omicron made up about 88 per cent of all cases as of Tuesday.

APH Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Loo says that so far, more than 20,000 residents in the Algoma Public Health region have received a third dose of the vaccine, representing just over 20 per cent of those 18 years of age and older. 

But for now, APH will only be offering Moderna at its vaccination clinics.

According to the health unit's website, all vaccination clinics at GFL Memorial Gardens - which are currently booked solid until late January - are slated to offer the Moderna vaccine. 

Appointments for COVID-19 boosters filled up quickly as Ontario expanded eligibility for the shots on Monday, leaving many Ontarians frustrated at being unable to get a third dose until the new year. 

“Due to broad supply considerations, APH is currently aligning with provincial direction to switch to offering Moderna until further notice,” said Loo, in an email to SooToday Tuesday. “People who are aged 18-29 years will continue to be offered Pfizer, as supply allows, because it is the recommended product for this age group, according to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.” 

APH says that In addition to community clinics, doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are also available at participating pharmacies in Algoma by appointments and walk-ins, depending on the pharmacy. 

The health unit says that several pharmacies will continue to remain open through the holiday period.

“APH continues to work with community partners to make additional vaccine appointments available, as human resources and vaccine supply allows,” Loo said. 

Although some members of the public may be holding out for the Pfizer vaccine, APH is “strongly” advising people to get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible, without waiting for a particular brand. 

“This is especially important for older adults who are at higher risk due to age or health conditions,” Loo said. 

The health unit notes that the COVID-19 vaccine will take about two weeks to work. 

“Although two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine protect against severe disease and hospitalization, two doses no longer provide strong protection against symptomatic disease from Omicron, and a third dose is strongly recommended,” Loo said. 

Although the Omicron variant has not yet been confirmed in Algoma, APH says, a number of current exposures are being linked to the variant of concern "due to initial lab screening results, a history of travel, or links to known Omicron exposures in other areas of the province."

Ontario reported 3,453 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday.

- with files from The Canadian Press