By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—With Omicron currently spreading like wildfire across the province and here at home, Haldimand’s Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Matt Strauss urged those who have still not received a dose of vaccine to consider doing so.
“Omicron is eight times more transmissible than previous variants. I think it is not a matter of if but when individuals will come into contact with it. The best way to be relatively safe is to be vaccinated,” he said. “It remains the case that folks who have received two vaccine doses have a greater than 90% reduction in their individual risk of hospitalization or death.”
He continued, “Today, I am particularly urging folks over 50 who have not received their booster shot to do so. Also, on a somewhat personal note, I really do think that pregnant women should be prioritized.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are pregnant or recently pregnant are more likely to suffer severe symptoms from COVID-19. They recommend vaccination for anyone who is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future. Based on collected data, it is believed that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any possible risks during pregnancy, with no current evidence leading health officials to be concerned that COVID-19 vaccines could lead to fertility problems for women or men.
Strauss’ advice comes as the HNHU transitions away from reporting daily case numbers for the region, instead following the provincial template by offering statistics related to hospitalization instead moving forward.
The last daily case stats for Haldimand-Norfolk, posted on January 7, showed a total of 1,051 current cases in the area, with a total of 3,986 locally since the start of the pandemic. As testing availability was limited recently, these numbers would be lower than the true total.
The HNHU reported three new deaths locally over the past week. Currently, there are 10 local active outbreaks, with four in retirement homes, three in LTC facilities, and three in congregate settings.
Appointments for first, second, and third doses of vaccine can be made on the HNHU website. In addition to a list of local pharmacies where appointments can be booked, the site lists GO-VAXX mobile clinics will be taking place at the Jarvis Community Centre on Thursday, January 13; the Fisherville Lions Community Centre on Saturday, January 15; and at the Dunnville Lifespan Centre on January 14, 21, and 28. GO-VAXX clinic appointments must be made online through the Province’s COVID vaccine portal at covid19.ontariohealth.ca.
