HKPR top doctor happy with vaccine progress so far

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is encouraged by the progress made so far on the local vaccine roll-out.

As of press time, HKPR has administered 62,023 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and workers. This includes 58,589 people who have received their first dose of the vaccine.

“I think these numbers are quite exciting and reflect a huge amount of work, gone into ensuring residents have access to the vaccine, based on our supply,” Dr. Natalie Bocking, HKPR’s medical officer of health, told reporters, on Wednesday, May 5th. The health unit also doesn’t want anyone to worry about missing out on their second dose of the vaccine.

“I want to reassure everybody, you won’t be forgotten; you won’t be left behind for your second dose,” Dr. Bocking said.

Health Canada recently approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine on kids 12 years of age and up. “I would characterize my reaction as excited. This is great news. I think the more population eligible to be vaccinated, the more protection we will have overall. Health Canada having approved it, is the first step, and then provinces will look at how to incorporate this new age group into certain [policies],” she explained.

Dr. Bocking said she is encouraged by the recent COVID-19 case numbers in the health unit.

“In general, our numbers seem to be decreasing. You’ve likely seen the same in the provincial numbers overall. I’m quite hopeful this means we are on the downward side of this most recent resurgence in COVID-19.”

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