Lambton Public Health is encouraging residents to complete their COVID-19 immunization series.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said although there has been good coverage for booster doses in the 70 plus age group, it's less so for those 50-70.
"That age group is still at some increased risk of severe disease even with two doses so it's important for those folks to get a third dose," said Ranade during a teleconference on Tuesday. "When you're talking about people who are 50 and over, every 10 year increase in age results in a substantial increase in risk of severe COVID infection, and you are bringing that risk down substantially by having yourself vaccinated with at least three doses."
Ranade is also encouraging people who have only had their first dose, to get their second when possible.
"Specifically I'm thinking of the five to 11 year-old population," he said. "Many folks came in for one dose but then haven't gone back and gotten their second and so it's a good idea to get that second dose to complete the series -- or what we currently think of as the complete series."
A breakdown of vaccination rates on the health unit's website shows that 46 per cent of children aged five to 11 have gotten their first dose while 29 per cent have gotten their second.
In the 50-59 age group, 80 per cent of residents have gotten two doses while 55 per cent have gotten their third dose. In the 60-69 age group, 88 per cent have gotten two doses while 72 per cent of have gotten their booster.
Overall, Ranade said demand for vaccinations has decreased. Eighty per cent of the Lambton County population five and over is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
