To The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Effective November 29, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates from Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit have been adjusted to account for the expanded eligibility for 5 to 11 year olds. This is in line with the provincial changes to report vaccination coverage for the eligible population five years and older.
Approximately 8,500 children aged 5 to 11 years live in Haldimand and Norfolk counties, of which 4.6% were vaccinated as of November 30.
As a result of this change, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is reporting a vaccination coverage rate of 77.6% for individuals five years or older with at least one dose and 75% for individuals five years or older who are fully vaccinated.
The changes to eligibility are being done simultaneously with the Ministry of Health reporting change to increase accuracy of population denominators of approximately 4,000 residents across both counties. While these reporting changes decrease the apparent vaccine coverage, it is important to note that the local vaccine coverage continues to increase. The eligibility of children 5 to 11 is an important step towards herd immunity.
