Sudbury is still a little bit ahead of the game when compared against the rest of Ontario for COVID-19 vaccine statistics.
The Public Health Sudbury and Districts’ weekly update, published Thursday afternoon, showed the percentages of Sudbury residents who have received the first and second dose of their vaccines is slightly ahead of the provincial statistics.
The numbers were updated to 4 p.m. on August 18, 2021.
The stats showed that overall, 82.3 per cent of Sudbury and districts residents aged 12+ have received their first dose of a vaccine. This compared with 81.9 per cent for all Ontario residents aged 12+, said the PHSD update.
The stats also showed that 74.8 per cent of Sudbury and districts residents aged 12+ have received their second vaccine dose, compared with 74.2% of residents in the rest of Ontario, of the same age.
The health unit update provided fresh numbers for the vaccine program locally.
"To date, a total of 275,937 doses of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered to residents in Sudbury and districts,” said the report, which had numbers higher than the daily summary provided by the health unit.
“Thus far, 144,512 people have received their first dose of vaccine, and 131,425 people have been fully vaccinated (current as of 4 p.m. August 18, 2021).”
A note attached to the report said these higher numbers include vaccines administered by Public Health, First Nation and Indigenous communities, primary care partners, and pharmacies.
The data also revealed that local residents in the 60 to 69 age group have the highest vaccine numbers at more than 25,000 and more than 88 per cent fully vaccinated.
The 50 to 59 age group has roughly 23,000 who rolled up their sleeves. This group is more than 74 per cent fully vaccinated.
So far the lowest actual group number is for the 12 to 17 year olds category, which shows roughly 6,000 vaccines, which accounts for 53 per cent of individuals in that age group.
The weekly update included remarks from Sudbury and District Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, who said the rise of the Delta Variant of the coronavirus makes it more important than ever for the non-vaccinated to step up and get their shot.
"Over a month ago, we issued a challenge to all residents to help us achieve 90 per cent vaccine coverage,” said Sutcliffe.
“With the fall season and upcoming school year quickly approaching, it is critical that we increase our two-dose vaccine coverage as much as possible to minimize the impact of a fourth wave in our communities. If you have not received your vaccine yet, it is not too late. Please encourage your family and friends to get their shot or to speak with their health care provider or our staff if they have questions.”
