With vaccination numbers lagging ahead of the holiday season, health officials in Chatham-Kent are calling on residents to roll up their sleeves for their flu and COVID-19 shots.
"I encourage people to get their flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine," said Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai. "If you're not sick, you're less likely to make other people sick."
As of December 8, according to Chatham-Kent Public Health, 36 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. Over 350 cases have been confirmed for the 2023-24 season.
"If we look at provincial data, we're seeing an increased burden of COVID and other respiratory illnesses at the hospitals," said Dr. Nesathurai. "Given that, I think there is a heightened level of risk."
Locally, Dr. Nesathurai said the vaccination rate is around 25 per cent for people who should get a COVID-19 vaccine.
"We are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 and influenza cases," said Nesathurai. "We continue to monitor the respiratory outbreaks in the community."
Currently, there are three active respiratory outbreaks in Chatham-Kent. The first outbreak was first reported on November 29 at Village on the Ridge Retirement in Ridgetown. Two other outbreaks were reported on December 4 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Blenheim Community Village Retirement.
"Our core message to help minimize the burden of respiratory disease, especially in the context of limited hospital resources, is for everyone to get up-to-date on their vaccines," said Dr. Nesathurai.
Residents can find a list of pharmacies or book a vaccination appointment online through the Chatham-Kent Public Health website.
Registration is also open for the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at 117 King Street in Chatham. That is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
