70 per cent of Ottawa adults fully vaccinated
As Ottawa hits 70 per cent of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the city's associate medical officer of health suggests Ottawa needs to get closer to 90 per cent to protect against the COVID-19 Delta variant.
On Saturday, the city of Ottawa announced 70 per cent of residents 18 and older have received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, and are now considered fully vaccinated. As of Friday, 69 per cent of Ottawa residents 12 and older were considered fully vaccinated.
Speaking on Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron on Friday, Dr. Brent Moloughney said Ottawa needs to continue to push the vaccination rates higher to protect against the more transmissible variants.
"What we think now with this Delta variant is we need to be close to 90 per cent, in that ballpark, fully vaccinated. So that means we got to continue to push the existing number of people with first dose," said Moloughney.
"We got a lot of people who have first doses, but they haven't gotten their second dose yet, and you really need it because the single dose does not provide great protection against the Delta variant. You need two doses."
Eighty-three per cent of all eligible Ottawa residents 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
To boost vaccination rates, Ottawa Public Health is offering to set up mobile vaccination clinics at workplaces, places of worship and with community organizations in the city.
"Little by little we'll continue to nudge the vaccine coverage rates upwards," said Moloughney.
Ottawa Public Health is encouraging residents with appointments booked from late August to November to move up the date of their first appointment.
The associate medical officer of health told Newstalk 580 CFRA fewer restrictions and summer activities have provided a distraction for some people to get their second COVID-19 vaccine.
"I think also human nature is when they see numbers coming down, with cases, then the drive to get protected is less, and say why do I need to do it now? I'll just put it off," said Moloughney.
"The reality, though, of course, is all those people with one dose are not very well protected against the Delta variant. It's important to take the opportunity (to get the second dose), there's lots of vaccine available."
MUSIC FESTIVAL HOSTS POP-UP CLINIC
On Saturday, Escapade music festival teamed up with Ottawa Public Health to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium. The goal of the clinic was to encourage young people to get vaccinated before the popular musical festival in September.
"I was planning to anyways, but this just gave me that incentive to get it done earlier," said Ben Kinnie.
Escapade announced this week that only fully vaccinated ticket holders will be allowed to attend the event.
"You'll show us that proof, we are able to put in our system, check off that you have provided it and that will make your wristband accessible," said Ali Shafaee, Director of Escapade.
Ottawa Public Health officials were at the stadium to administer the COVID-19 doses and provide education about why getting vaccinated is important.
"I want to be fully vaccinated," said Emily. "I don't want to get COVID. I want to be protected and get back out in the world."
Kinnie is hopeful other large events will follow Escapade and make proof of vaccination part of the deal to attend.
"I do believe that Escapade is taking the right steps here in doing this."
POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS
Dr. Moloughney urges residents to continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures once they're fully vaccinated.
"We still need to be cautious when we're indoors particularly, and wear a mask in public spaces and if we're around people who aren't vaccinated, distancing would be a good idea."
Ottawa Public Health is offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics at several locations this week for all residents 12 and older.
Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27 – 12:45 p.m. to 7:30 pm
- Canada Science and Technology Museum – 1867 St. Laurent Blvd.
Tuesday, July 27 – 12:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- St Joseph's Adult High School – 330 Lajoie St.
Wednesday, July 28 – 12:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Canterbury Recreation Complex – 2185 Arch St.
Thursday, July 29 – 12:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Merivale High School – 1755 Merivale Rd.
Friday July 30 – 12:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Ahlul-Bayt Islamic School – 3025 Albion Road North
Saturday, July 31 – 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Ridgemont High School – 2597 Alta Vista Dr.
Sunday, August 1 – 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- AMA Community Centre 1216 – Hunt Club Rd.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.