A non-governmental advocacy group for older adults said it is providing information to help senior citizens stay "up-to-date" with information on COVID-19 vaccines.
The Toronto-based International Federation on Ageing (IFA) issued a press release this week saying there is no time for complacency despite major health organizations saying the threat of COVID has diminished. The organization will hold a global conference on aging, next week in Thailand.
IFA said it is bringing together experts to discuss how to ensure older Canadians can continue to get information on, and access to, innovations in COVID vaccines.
The news release said COVID continues to "pose a threat to the health of older adults in Canada" but despite that, the uptake of new bivalent vaccines is low.
The IFA statement said one barrier that was identified was a lack of understanding around why regular booster doses are required for optimal protection against COVID-19.
"In the face of waning global attention, we must ensure that Canadians have access to and are informed regarding their vaccination status in order to continue to protect and promote both their own health as well as the health of those around them," said the IFA statement.
The organization said many of the procedures that were in place before the pandemic have not been restored, meaning that people with chronic illnesses could see their health in jeopardy.
"Disruption to routine health and vaccination services has not fully recovered," said the IFA news release.
"The impact of winter vaccine preventable diseases, namely influenza, RSV, pneumococcal pneumonia and COVID-19, remains a serious threat that will have an impact on all ages, and especially older people and those with chronic medical conditions."
Locally, Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) runs regular weekly news releases outlining opportunities for area residents to stay updated on COVID vaccinations.
"Public Health recommends that you receive all COVID-19 vaccines for which you are eligible—including booster doses—to build long-term protection against COVID-19," said a news release issued Monday on the PHSD website.
If you don’t see a clinic offered in your area this week, check back next week for more. See all Public Health clinic opportunities at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.
Additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may also be available through select primary care providers and at participating pharmacies.
Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.
