Lanark neighbours Number One for vaccination rates

LANARK COUNTY – Lanark County’s health unit is being lauded for its efforts to vaccinate the community and has landed at the top of the list for vaccination rates in Ontario.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit tops the charts amongst public health units for both first and second dose vaccination rates throughout the province. Of the region’s population 12 years of age and older, 88 per cent have first doses and 71 per cent have second doses. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is also the first health unit in Ontario to achieve 70 per cent of its population with second doses.

“Our government has been clear, nothing will stop us from having the most successful immunization campaign in the country”, MPP Steve Clark released in a statement Saturday (July 24).  “And I couldn’t be more proud this area is leading the way, demonstrating people’s willingness to be vaccinated and our complete healthcare system’s ability to distribute and administer those vaccines efficiently. I’m grateful for all of our frontline healthcare workers.”

Dr. Paula Stewart, medical officer of health for the region, says she attributes this success to a number of factors.

“The people of LGL have been fantastic,” Stewart said. “This is wonderful for our community. So many people now have really good COVID-19 protection. And the work continues to reach 90 per cent first and 90 per cent second or higher. This success is a result of great collaboration with all our partners. Thanks to our staff who have been on the front lines at the vaccine clinics, on the phones or working on supportive roles. Thanks also to the staff who have been doing other COVID-related or essential service work that allows the rest to focus on the vaccine program.”

There are still many opportunities to get both first and second doses. The county has plenty of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine available at all clinics. If it has been 21 days since you had your first dose of Pfizer or 28 days since your first dose of Moderna, you are able to book your second dose or walk-in at any clinic before the end of August ( see dates and times here).”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://healthunit.org/covid-19-vaccine/.