Anyone over the age of 5 can get the vaccine. Regarding the booster shots, the medical officer of health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says anyone over the age of 12 is eligible for the third dose, and those aged 60 and over, immunocompromised or indigenous can also receive a fourth dose. He notes that the government continues to study vaccines for under-5s and that these too may be approved in the coming months. Young Hoon says, “If it’s been more than 3 months since you had COVID, you should be looking to make an appointment for your booster shot. There is added benefit and protection from a booster dose. Thus, the risk of serious illness with a booster dose and reduced risk of infection is greatly reduced.” He adds, “Vaccine protection wears off somewhere around six months, maybe a little earlier, a little later, depending on the individual. So it’s important to have some sense of what’s going on in terms of vaccination policy and know when you might be eligible in the future for your next dose.” You can make an appointment at your local health unit offices or visit participating pharmacies or primary care clinics. For more information about vaccinations, visit the Northwestern Health Unit Meanwhile, fluctuating COVID data in the region. The positive test rate has increased from 9.1% to 11.4%. However, the number of cases considered high-risk fell from 159 to 135. Health officials stress that the number of cases is likely higher, as many people are not eligible for PCR testing and test positive at home. Analysis of cases (Health Hub): -Sioux Lookout (on reserve): 108-Kenora: 8-Fort Frances: 7-Dryden: 4-Red Lake: 4-Atikokan: 3-Sioux Lookout (off reserve): 1
